Article: On cloud nine

Mathematical formulae, 'concept machines', atomic mushrooms: Turner Prize-winner Keith Tyson reveals the surprising ideas behind his mind-bending work

You could say that, at first sight, the work of the artist Keith Tyson is simply inexplicable. But that's not strictly true: some of his paintings even come with explanations attached - although to understand them, it might help to have a grasp of algebra. Why does a sombre canvas resembling a Dutch still-life - with fruit, stuffed animals and a skull - also contain a brightly coloured toy cash register? The answer lies in a mathematical formula inscribed under the picture: pluses, minuses and a sigma symbol, along with the words "Retailer" ...

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