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The unexpected math behind Van Gogh's "Starry Night" - Natalya St. Clair

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Physicist Werner Heisenberg said, “When I meet God, I am going to ask him two questions: why relativity? And why turbulence? I really believe he will have an answer for the first.” As difficult as turbulence is to understand mathematically, we can use art to depict the way it looks. Natalya St. Clair illustrates how Van Gogh captured this deep mystery of movement, fluid and light in his work.

What are some examples of turbulence?

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Natalya St. Clair
  • Director Avi Ofer
  • Animator Avi Ofer
  • Script Editor Addison Anderson
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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