David Wargowski

David Wargowski specializes in nuclear impressionistic imagery and objects. As a maker, archaeologist, and provocateur, he explores the history, technology, and culture of mid-twentieth century nuclear advancements. His distinctive work serves as a testament to key historical, scientific, and contemporary moments in the development of nuclear weapons, from the earliest advancements to the present day. David is particularly interested in the technological structures of the Manhattan Project and the subsequent progression in nuclear weapons design. His aim is to raise awareness about nuclear weapons through his art.

By integrating natural and digital imaging techniques, David visually conveys the devastating impacts of nuclear weapons focusing on the effects of ionizing and thermal radiation. He seeks to “merge art with nuclear science and history” and to “make the invisible visible.” He calls his artistic approach “Nuclear Impressionism.” Over the past decade, David has extensively studied the Manhattan Project, atmospheric nuclear tests, and the strategic use of nuclear weapons.

David has participated in five group nuclear art exhibitions, most recently at the Black Box Studio in Vancouver, BC, Canada, as part of the International Uranium Film Festival. His work was featured in “Plutonium & Silver: The Atomic Photographers Guild Imaging the Nuclear Condition.” His nuclear imagery has also appeared in The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, and he has published several biographical and historical articles in The Atomic Heritage Foundation. In 2019, he created a permanent exhibit on Leo Szilard at the University of Chicago.

David is a Legacy Society member of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, an Advisory Board Member of The Atomic Heritage Foundation, and a member of the Curie Continuum at the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History. Additionally, he served as an Advisory Board Member for the Atomic Photographers Guild (an international consortium based in Quebec, Canada) from May 2016 to December 2024. He now acts as a nuclear science and history advisor to the Guild.

Before becoming a full-time artist, David had a 44-year career as a scientist and engineering manager. His work included earning seven U.S. patents and one European patent. He retired from BP America (formerly Amoco Heritage) in 2015 after 35 years of service.

[email protected]
www.rapidrupturedesign.com
Twitter: @DAWargowski
Instagram: @David_Wargowski
LinkedIn: David Wargowski