Unit 9: Space + Art

Neil Armstrong becomes the first man
to step on the moon. 

For me, outer space represents an infinite amount of unexplored possibilities, carrying with it a sense of hope, yet a sense of fear. The vastness of space continues to inspire many and the exploration of space has had many profound effects on various aspects of life, including the curriculum of our educational system, political effects, and the genre of science fiction (Vesna). As a personal space enthusiast and stargazer, Annick Bureaud’s words resonate with me because the depiction and interpretation of space through art really does provoke deep feelings, fueling dreams and aspirations (Leonardo Space Art Project). 

What is shocking is the realization of how relatively new the fascination and interest with space really is. The launch of Sputnik in 1957 was only less than a hundred years ago and many advances have occurred in a short period of time (Vesna). Apollo 11 in 1969 marked the first time man stepped on the man, a momentous event for not only the US, but the whole world. After years of hard work, mankind’s dreams finally became reality, and the success represented the limitless possibilities of space travels. 

Xu Zhen's in Just a Blink of the Eye 

Space art relies on the collaboration between scientists and artists. An exhibition known as Dancing on the Ceiling: Art & Zero Gravity features artworks that examine the concept of gravity and weightlessness. Gravity is a force that keeps us grounded on Earth, but is not present in outer space (Forde). Xu Zhen’s project In Just a Blink of the Eye features dancers suspended by hidden fixtures, showing them as seemingly frozen by a mysterious force. This concept of gravity is challenged in space, where one can freely float; space makes us question our paradigms and perceptions of the world. 

Cosmonaut with Cosmic Dancer 

The concept of weightlessness was literally tested out through the sculpture Cosmic Dancer, which was created by Arthur Woods. In 1993, Cosmic Dancer was taken to a space station and was freed from the constraint of gravity. Cosmonauts danced with the Cosmic Dancer, allowing them to connect with a vital aspect of culture in the isolating spaceship (Woods). With scientists almost certain of the existence of extraterrestrial life, it is important to have a piece of culture to share with these unfamiliar beings if astronauts come across them. 

As "explorers of nature", I believe that our curiosity will lead to many more discoveries and a deeper understanding of what lies beyond Earth (Leonardo Space Art Project). 

Sources:
Forde, Kathleen. "Dancing on the Ceiling: Art & Zero Gravity." http://zerogravity.empac.rpi.edu. Accessed 1 June 2018.  
"Leonardo Space Art Project Working Group." Leonardo Space Art Project, https://spaceart.org/leonardo/vision.html. Accessed 1 June 2018. 
Vesna, Victoria. "8 space pt 2 1280x720." YouTube, uploaded by uconlineprogram, 29 July 2013, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLZMDpoP-u0
Vesna, Victoria. "Space pt 4." YouTube, uploaded by uconlineprogram, 30 May 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5ClKO6AJPo
Vesna, Victoria. "Space pt 6." YouTube, uploaded by uconlineprogram, 30 May 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYmOtFjIj0M
Woods, Arthur. "Introduction." Cosmic Dancer- A Space Art Intervention by Arthur Woods, http://www.cosmicdancer.com/introduction.php. Accessed 2 June 2018. 

Image Sources: 
Woods, Arthur. Cosmic Dancer. 1993. http://www.cosmicdancer.com/cosmic_dancer_photos.php Accessed 2 June 2018.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_11#/media/File:Buzz_salutes_the_U.S._Flag.jpg. Accessed 2 June 2018.
Zhen, Xu. In Just a Blink of the Eye. 2007. http://arthubasia.org/project/xu-zhen-performance-in-a-blink-of-an-eye Accessed 2 June 2018.