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 have previously spoken to two researchers there, to gain understanding of the research that takes place within the Institute and how they go about said research. The next conversations I had surrounded my intention to create a sculpture, an embodiment of Supernovae, with the theoretical underpinning, preferably gained by experts in the ARI and my proposal to exhibit in the ARI.

The first conversation I had was with a physicist who specialised in Supernovae, collecting the data and discovering new supernovae with the Liverpool telescope. An issue began to arise, partially due to my lack of preparation and set outline for my intention with the conversation, but also a break down in communication between two different people. My own perspective revolves around visuals and conceptual understandings, in comparison to the Astrophysicist’s who works and thinks analytically.

The conversation overall 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 institute.

My next conversation was with Professor Andy Newsman, head of outreach at the ARI. This time I came with notes and an outline, as well as consideration on how my sculpture could contribute to outreach; extending it beyond a conceptual art piece to a movable sculpture that could facilitate knowledge transfer. The outreach program engages with primary schools and to teach young children about space and physics, becoming a part of this with my sculpture would be excellent and complete one of my aims: teaching through artistic realisations, it is how I learnt and became interested in astronomy. There is also possibility for the Institute of Physics, of which Professor Newsam is on the board, for some potential funding on this project..