Art and Astronomy Exhibit to Open at Southern Oregon University
Exhibit dates
January 15, 2009, through March 29, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 25, 2008
Contact: Michael Crane, 541-552-6245 or cranem@sou.edu
website: http://www.sou.edu/sma
ASHLAND, Oregon—Thirty full-color images of some of the most unusual galaxies known, along with astronomical-themed works from some of the country’s leading artists, will take a starring role in the Schneider Museum of Art’s upcoming exhibit on Arp’s Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies.
Inspired by the book The Arp Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies: A Chronicle and Observer’s Guide by Jeff Kanipe and Dennis Webb (Willmann-Bell, 2006; arpatlas.com), this exhibit explores the strange galactic star systems observed by astronomer Halton C. Arp in the 1960s. His compendium of 338 galaxies revealed an assortment of bizarre structures produced when galaxies collide or interact with each other, or are riven by violent star formation and black holes. The latest images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope create a sense of wonder and awe, giving viewers a glimpse of galaxies that defy classification.
“Arp actually applied both artistic and scientific standards when he was compiling his Atlas,” says Kanipe, an astronomy writer based in Maryland. “Like good art, these galaxies blur the boundary between what is considered ‘normal’ and ‘not normal’.” Co-author Webb, a Texas-based amateur astronomer and retired NASA project manager, notes that such images encourage us to look deeper into nature. “A collection of peculiar things that challenges the orthodox view of the world intrigues artists and scientists alike,” he says. “After 40 years, Arp’s Atlas is a visual masterpiece that captures this special ‘territory’. The recent Hubble Space Telescope images take us deeper into these strange things.”
Complementing the science side of the show are fifteen American artists who also look to the heavens for inspiration and insight: Lita Albuquerque, Shawn Brixey, Vija Celmins, Russell Crotty, Peter de Lory,
J. Brett Grill, John Hess, Michiko Itatani, Christina Licata, Sara Mast, Michael C. McMillen, Trevor Paglen, Anna Von Mertens, June Wayne and Tom Yanke.
“We are mixing a little art and a little science in this project,” says Michael Crane, director of the museum. “Our view is that these disciplines are not polar opposites, but rather parallel investigations that are able to complement one another, with each adding perspective to the search for big answers.”
The exhibit runs from January 15, 2009, to March 29, 2009. Education programs, panel discussions, music, and lectures will be announced at a future date. The exhibit is part of the International Year of Astronomy (www.astronomy2009.org), sponsored by the United Nations and the International Astronomical Union.
The Schneider Museum of Art (www.sou.edu/sma) is located at 1250 Siskiyou Blvd. in Ashland, Oregon, on the campus of Southern Oregon University. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10am to 4pm; Tuesdays till 8pm; Sundays noon to 4pm. The museum phone is 541-552-6245. Admission by donation.
