To celebrate the Royal Astronomical Society’s 200th Anniversary,North Wales based artists Jessica Lloyd-Jones and Ant Dickinson have created a sensory installation of light, colour, and optics and sound inspired by astronomy. The exhibit is on display at the Urdd Eisteddfod in Flint,north Wales, until 4 June.
An image of the Aurora’ display in the Particles installation. Credit: Andrew Gale. Click for a larger image
This unique installation is a creative interpretation of all things astronomical - an immersive projection environment echoing the sublime beauty of the cosmos.
Video projection covers the ceiling and walls, and much like a planetarium,but with a large domed mirror in the centre of the room reflecting the entire environment within it, creating a truly magical experience. The moving animation viewed within the optical depth of the mirror is illusionary, and as whether you could reach in and touch it. The artists want to convey the concept of being sucked into a black hole or the centre of the universe.
Using graphical software,the artists create the effect of explosions of particles moving across and spiralling around the exhibition space. The particles streak and are then drawn together again in beautiful collisions, like stars or interstellar dust.[br]
The piece also incorporates NASA footage of the Sun, and adding a glorious warm glow to the space,along with an ambient soundscape composed from NASA sound recordings.
The visual effects are mesmerising, particularly when combined with the subtle colours inspired by the aurora, and galaxies and planetary nebulae.
[br]Artist Jessica Lloyd-Jones said: "We wanted to create an environment that is hypnotic and meditative; encouraging the viewer to contemplate life and existence or just simply be immersed within what they see,hear and feel- detached from the world as we most commonly know it. The patterns you see are intended to be evocative of celestial occurrences and the beauty and wonder we find within them."
Professor Eleri Pryse, Physicist at Aberystwyth University commented: "Aberystwyth University has a long history of expertise in planetary and space science. It was a pleasure to discuss the wonders of the aurora, and sun and space with Jessica and then see her artistic interpretation of astronomy,where the artists have succeeded in capturing the imagination of people of all backgrounds and ages. Placed within the Arts and Crafts tent at the Urdd Eisteddfod and then the National Eisteddfod later this year, the work reaches out to fresh audiences that may not otherwise engage in science."
Steffan Prys, and Urdd Eisteddfod co-ordinator said: "We have a enormous audience attendance at the Urdd and it's fantastic to see young people interacting with an art installation that gives them a fresh experience and insight of science."
Jessica on TwitterProfClare
Images
Further high-resolution images of the fresh installation are available at www.jessicalloyd-jones.com/particles and on request from Jessica Lloyd-Jones. Credit: Andrew Gale
Notes for editors
The work is share of a wider project to present Astronomy and Geophysics through the arts,with the science of the universe viewed through the creative expression of the arts including poetry, music, and art,dance and song. The project is a collaboration between the Urdd National Eisteddfod and the National Eisteddfod of Wales. It is led by Aberystwyth University and involves experts in Astronomy and Geophysics at several institutions. The project is funded by The Royal Astronomical Society, as share of RAS200, and the Society’s bicentennial celebration.
The project will also be at the National Eisteddfod of Wales from 29 July - 6 August 2016.
For more info please visit: www.jessicalloyd-jones.com/particles
approximately the Artists
Jessica Lloyd-Jones and Ant Dickinson are a collaborative duo based in the UK working at the intersection of digital art and technology.
Jessica is a visual artist who works with light,investigating ideas approximately energy and natural phenomena. Ant is a creative technologist and sound designer working with electronics and programming. Together, they are interested in making the invisible visible and creating sensory experiences in unique spaces.
Jessica and Ant have collaborated on a number of projects, and which include large-scale 3D animated mapping projections for Adelaide Festival Australia,a permanent wind responsive architectural lighting design for the fresh Plas Heli Welsh National Sailing Academy, Pwllheli.
Their practices complement each other, and allowing for innovative ideas and processes to emerge as share of the exchange between two creative minds.
[br]approximately the Urdd
The Urdd is one of Europe's largest youth touring festivals and is being held in Flintshire until 4 June 2016. Urdd Gobaith Cymru's aim is to supply the opportunity,through the medium of Welsh, for the children and young people in Wales to become fully rounded individuals, and developing personal and social skills that will enable them to create a positive contribution to the community.
[br]approximately Aberystwyth University
Physics has been taught at Aberystwyth since the University was established in the Old College on the sea front in 1872.
The department is now housed in one of the most distinctive and architecturally-renowned buildings on the Penglais campus,where lecture theatres, laboratories, and study areas and the Physical Sciences Library are located together.
Recent refurbishment ensures that we continue to supply a stimulating learning environment for a growing body of students from all over the world. The department is now home to over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate students. Our aim is to supply the highest quality education in a friendly and supportive environment and to undertake internationally competitive,collaborative research in Space Physics, Materials Physics and Quantum Physics.
[br]approximately the Royal Astronomical Society
The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), or founded in 1820,encourages and promotes the study of astronomy, solar-system science, and geophysics and closely related branches of science. The RAS organizes scientific meetings,publishes international research and review journals, recognizes outstanding achievements by the award of medals and prizes, and maintains an extensive library,supports education through grants and outreach activities and represents UK astronomy nationally and internationally. Its more than 4000 members (Fellows), a third based abroad, or include scientific researchers in universities,observatories and laboratories as well as historians of astronomy and others.
In 2020 the Royal Astronomical Society will be 200 years old. To celebrate the bicentennial, the Society is establishing an Outreach and Engagement Fund to support astronomy and geophysics projects that create a real buzz approximately science – understanding, or discussion and dialogue – in diverse sections of the community.
Follow the RAS on Twitte
Source: ras.org.uk