Art, Photography, Astrophotography, Astronomy, Space, Galaxies, Nebulae, Planets, Stars
Exhibition dates: June 8, 2012 - December 15, 2012
The starry night sky has inspired humankind since prehistoric times, informing our understanding of the universe and igniting countless creative imaginations. A glimpse of the stars in a dark sky provokes an immediate emotional response and sense of wonder, resulting in cultural impacts that can be seen in a multitude of examples, from ancient creation myths to current cinema. Starstruck: The Fine Art of Astrophotography will feature four renowned artists by invitation, and will also feature, through a juried format, works by artists from the global community of astrophotographers. The exhibition is print-focused and is expected to break new ground by firmly placing astrophotography by photographers—almost universally working with their own, often modest, terrestrial gear—within the context of fine art: a necessary reminder that, despite often being thought of as a branch of science, astrophotography has long contributed to the arts. Starstruck will include a variety of subjects, from landscapes featuring the night sky to solar system bodies to deep sky objects, and bring these images to a whole new general audience who are not familiar with the art form or may think of it as a branch of science.
A distinguished team of jurors will ensure both quality and a suitable breadth of subjects, including Weston Naef, curator emeritus of photography at the J. Paul Getty Museum; Dennis di Cicco, well-known for his work with Sky & Telescope and for twenty years of experience working with CCD cameras for astrophotography; and Jerry T. Bonnell, co-editor/author Astronomy Picture of the Day, and Astrophysicist/Staff Scientist – Compton Gamma Ray Observatory Science Support Center. Each will contribute an essay to Starstruck’s color catalog that will document the exhibition and illustrate works in it. Starstruck's lead curator is Anthony Shostak of the Bates College Museum of Art.
Artists interested in submitting work Starstruck should review the Call for Entries by entering the following URL into their web browser exactly as it appears:
starstruck.bates.edu
To engage the public with astrophotography and the ineffable wonder of the starry sky, an inspirational natural resource.
