Subscribe now

Humans

Escher's Journey: there's more to this artist than his maths

Escher's work is instantly recognisable; now a visionary new show in his home town reminds us why it's good

By Simon Ings

25 May 2018

M. C. Escher, Day and Night (1938)

“Indulging in imaginary thoughts”: M C Escher’s Day and Night (1938)

Leeuwarden-Fryslan, one of the less populated parts of the Netherlands, has been designated this year’s European Capital of Culture. It’s a hub of social and technological and cultural innovation and yet hardly anyone has heard of the place. It makes batteries that the makers claim run circles around Tesla’s current technology, there are advanced plans for the region to go fossil free by 2025, it has one of the highest (and happiest) immigrant populations in Europe, and yet all we can see from the minibus, from horizon to horizon, is cows.…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop