Imagining the Universe: Matthew Ritchie

This is an Archive of a Past Event

Ritchie will discuss how philosophy, physics, games, theology, music, gardens, art & architecture can all be connected through readings of the secret history of diagrams. His recent 18 month residency at the ICA Boston culminated in The Long Count/The Long Game, a museum-spanning, multimedia production featuring diverse musical partners ranging from a chamber orchestra to a minimalist composer to indie rock darlings from bands like The National, The Breeders, and My Brightest Diamond. Inspired by the "hero twins" of the Mayan book of creation, the Popol Vuh—of which the Long Count calendar is an important part—explores ideas about chance, myth, games, and the beginning of time.

The cosmos has long inspired our imaginations ― fueling research, reflection, and creative response. Organized by an interdisciplinary consortium drawing on departments and programs from across the university, this year-long project reflects Stanford University’s commitment to campus-wide connections among the sciences and arts.