Week 9: Space + Art

For centuries, space has been one of the most discussed and redefined topics that has governed our universe. It has been at the forefront of many new discoveries as countries aim to gain a better understanding of something whose scale dwarfs that of Earth. An example is Copernicus, who published a heliocentric idea of the solar system where the sun was in the center of the system, however because of the possible backlash from the church he never pursued the idea. (Vesna)

What makes space unique is its ability to connect and create competition between different countries from all parts of the globe. A prime example is the Space race between the US and Russia that prompted inventions such as the Sputnik which prompted fear in the U.S. (Vesna)

The intersection of space and art can be seen in everyday life. An example is the artist Alan Bean who drew inspiration from his experiences on the moon and launched an exhibition of his paintings at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington. (Foust) This was fascinating as he was motivated to tell his story of going to the moon and became dabbling as an artist and trying out different colors.

 


It can also be useful in providing information or stirring up excitement for the general public. This can be seen all the way back during the Space Race where space art was crucial in making space travel appear real to the public.'' (Spadoni) One of the biggest catalysts for its growth was from Chesley Bonestell who caught the attention of the public with her beautiful paintings that depicted, “Saturn from the perspectives of its moons, an impossible view.” (Pendle) These paintings were so detailed and realistic looking that it prompted a newfound interest in space from people and government alike as they were eager for something to stimulate their imagination. Nowadays with the thought of humans potentially inhabiting other planets such as Mars, space art is used to communicate possible ideas of what lies in store for humanity

References:

Vesna, Victoria. “Space + Art Lecture Part 1.” YouTube, 29 July 2013, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZIqTR332l8.

Vesna, Victoria. “Space + Art Lecture Part 2.” YouTube, 29 July 2013, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLZMDpoP-u0.

Foust , Jeff. “When Space and Art Intersect.” The Space Review: When Space and Art Intersect, www.thespacereview.com/article/1460/1. Accessed 31 May 2024.

Pendle, George. “The Slow, Tragic Death of Space Art.” Atlas Obscura, Atlas Obscura, 11 Apr. 2017, www.atlasobscura.com/articles/space-art-propelled-scientific-exploration-of-the-cosmosbut-its-star-is-fading-fast.

Spadoni, Aldo. “Space Art Celebrates the Past and Future of Cosmic Exploration.” Astronomy Magazine, 18 May 2023, www.astronomy.com/science/space-art-celebrates-the-past-and-future-of-cosmic-exploration/.

Images

Peregrine, Michael. How Entrepreneurs Are Leading The New Space Race. Forbes, https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelperegrine/2023/09/13/how-entrepreneurs-are-leading-the-new-space-race/?sh=4e3642e2d583. Accessed 31 May 2024.

Nora. Chesley Bonestell, the IAAA, and Cosmic Art in a Historical Context of Latter 20th Century. Medium, https://medium.com/swlh/chesley-bonestell-the-international-association-of-astronomical-artists-and-cosmic-art-in-e744de739dee. Accessed 31 May 2024.

David, Leonard. Humans on Mars could conduct far better science than any machine. SPACE, https://www.space.com/humans-on-mars-better-science-machine. Accessed 31 May 2024.

 

 

 

Comments

  1. trangJune 2, 2024 at 11:43 PM

    Hi Tristan! I really liked your post about the historical and cultural impact of space exploration. The mention of Copernicus and the heliocentric model reminded me of the significant challenges faced by early astronomers. Your discussion on the Space Race between the US and Russia was compelling, emphasizing how competition can drive innovation and progress, as seen with the launch of Sputnik.

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