Module 9: Space + Art

 The rise of the internet and our constant connection with each other prompted questions about the existence of humans in isolation. The Makrolab is a sort of “living laboratory” that was created to host crews, which include artists, performing research in various areas. “Mounted in desolate environments, it looks like a meteorological research center, or even more, like a stranded space station” (Holmes). 

(Holmes)

The emergence of space travel provided a new mental image to people when they thought of isolation. While a cabin in the woods is often viewed as isolated, it is still much more within reach of the public than another planet altogether. 

The Ars Ad Astra project was an exhibition for artists who were interested in outer space themed artworks. They had to make a painting within required size and material specifications so that the artwork could go into space and be exhibited on the Mir space station. 

(OURS Foundation)

As an aerospace engineer, I wonder how artists reacted to the strict requirements associated with astronautical payloads. I also wonder what the purpose of this exhibition was. While space travel has many important uses, I am not sure that the financial and ecological costs associated with spaceflight were worth having an art exhibition in a location where nobody is there to see it.

Other artists, such as B.E. Johnson, also take to using galactical themes in their artwork. This is shown in Johnson’s A New Horizon, displayed below.

(Johnson)

Stargazing itself can also be looked at as a form of art. While nobody specifically created it, it is often looked upon artistically and interpretations can be drawn from it. NASA provides information on what to look for in the sky and what specific components are (NASA).

Gravity, or lack of it, can also be an inspiration for art. Kathleen Forde draws on the concept of zero gravity, both physical gravity and mental gravity, in her exhibition (Forde). Many artists were able to use this concept as a theme in their work.

Works Cited

Forde, Kathleen. “Art & Zero Gravity Curated by Kathleen Forde : EMPAC Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center : Troy, NY USA.” Dancing on the Ceiling, 2010, https://zerogravity.empac.rpi.edu/.

Holmes, Brian. “CODED UTOPIA.” Continental Drift, 27 Mar. 2007, https://brianholmes.wordpress.com/2007/03/27/coded-utopia/.

Johnson, B. E. “Space Art by B.E.Johnson.” Spacecraft, 1976, https://imperialearth.com/pimaget.php?filename=newhorizon600.jpg&title=A%20New%20Horizon.

OURS Foundation. “Ars Ad Astra Project on the Mir Space Station.” Ars Ad Astra, 29 Feb. 1996, http://www.arsadastra.com/a4.html.

Team, NASA Science Editorial. “Skywatching.” NASA Science, 3 June 2023, https://science.nasa.gov/skywatching/#whattolookfor.