Canberras artists go Galactic!
Canberra artists have been working with CSIRO to ‘capture the cosmos’. The result is an exhibition of astronomically inspired work by the Artists Society of Canberra’s Abstract and Experimental Group that will show at CSIRO Discovery Centre from 1 February.
Astronomical images have inspired people throughout the ages. For the last few decades, however, new technologies have given us new views of space.
CSIRO operates world-class radio telescopes that are used by its own astronomers and other astronomers from around Australia and all over the world. It has been ‘capturing the cosmos’ since 1947.
CSIRO invited the Artist’s Society of Canberra to respond to images produced by CSIRO staff and telescopes.
The resulting artworks include astronomical events such as solar flares, images of cosmic objects such as galaxies, and interpretative pieces hinting at traditional Indigenous understandings of the night sky.
“The night skies have always inspired artists. Away from city lights, the beauty of the southern sky is absolutely breathtaking,” says exhibition curator Helen Sim of CSIRO.
“The artists featured in this exhibition have also been inspired by the detailed views that telescopes have given us of our Galaxy and the Universe beyond, ” Sim says.
The exhibition Capturing the Cosmos will run Saturday 1 February to Friday 28 March at CSIRO Discovery Centre, Clunies Ross St, Acton.
The exhibition will be opened 2pm Saturday 1 February by Dr Ed Kruzins, Director of the Canberra Deep Space Communications Complex.
All artworks are for sale and admission is free.
Participating artists include Antonio Arjonilla, Sue Cook, Joan Costanzo, Lynn Nicholas, Cheryl Parkins, Elizabeth Rogers, Jacquie Rogers, Peggy Spratt, Rosemary von Behrens, Arlene Williams and Peter Wyrdeman.
Image snapshot attached: Cosmic Impressions XI – Cadmium Nebula. Jacquie Rogers. 2013. Oil on canvas.
