Orla Fox

The aims of my project are to consider the fluctuating boundaries of Art and
Astronomy to create a cumulative sculpture that showcases the interactions of both subjects with consideration of alchemical processes and symbolism within the making of said sculpture.

To kick start my Transdisciplinary practice; while considering the undercurrent of my project aims, I reached out to the Astrophysics Research Institute (ARI). I contacted and had meetings with two researchers there, to gain understanding of the research that takes place within the Institute and how they go about their research. The next conversations I had set out my intention to create a sculpture, an embodiment of Supernovae, with the theoretical underpinning, preferably gained in collaboration with experts in the ARI. My proposal also included the idea of exhibiting in the ARI.

I had a follow up meeting with an astrophysicist who specialised in Supernovae, collecting the data and discovering new supernovae using the Liverpool Telescope. It was clear from the conversation that the data I envisaged using to inform my sculpture was not obtainable. My own perspective revolves around visuals and conceptual understandings; however, the astrophysicist who works and thinks analytically could not see a way to progress the collaboration. This was a good lesson for me about carefully researching one’s approach and being able to communicate my project idea succinctly and effectively.  I also learned that I need more practice in communicating my artistic ideas when laying out a plan for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Overall, the conversation gave me more to consider: the different types of
Supernovae, the metals that are commonly expelled by certain supernovae, but most of all, a rethinking of my aims, clearly outlining them while explaining how my research process works and figuring out what I want from the ARI.

My next conversation was with Professor Andy Newsam, head of outreach at the ARI. I felt better prepared to communicate how my sculpture could contribute to outreach; extending it beyond a conceptual art piece to a movable sculpture that
could facilitate knowledge transfer and be collaborative. The outreach programme
engages with primary schools and helps teach young children about space and
physics. Being able to contribute to this outreach work with my sculpture would
provide a collaborative experience and complete one of my aims: teaching through artistic realisations, it is how I learnt and became interested in astronomy. There is also the possibility for the Institute of Physics, of which Professor Newsam is on the board, to provide some potential funding on the project.