Description
- A unique body of artwork inspired by themes of astronomy, cosmology, astrophysics, meteorites, planetary atmospherics and other space-related themes.
- Featuring the work of 30 established contemporary artists including Cornelia Parker and Christopher Le Brun.
- A range of media including painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, film, installation, glass work and ceramic.
- Rarely-seen historical items from the archives of the Royal Astronomical Society, the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institute and the History of Science Museum.
Artists and astronomers are trained observers. This publication offers a thought-provoking gathering of visual artists contemplating their place in the universe, ranging from personal subjective responses through to artists whose work connects directly with science data. A richly-illustrated catalogue containing artists’ statements revealing the depth and breadth of their creative practice. A Foreword by the engaging astrophysicist, author and broadcaster, Chris Lintott; an essay by the exhibition curator and artist, Ione Parkin; Sian Prosser writes on some of the key historical figures whose drawings, prints and early photographs influenced the spread of astronomical discoveries; exoplanetologist Amaury Triaud reveals an astronomer’s perspective on the science and research functions of light. This publication accompanies the exhibition Cosmos: The Art of Observing Space held at the Royal West of England Academy in January-April 2026.
Author biographies
Chris Lintott, Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Oxford, Citizen Science Lead and co-presenter of BBC Sky At Night, Chris describes himself as a distractible astronomer who specialises in galaxy formation, machine learning including anomaly detection and occasional planet hunting. These projects usually work with the Zooniverse citizen science platform which engages with more than two million volunteers around the world. He is a member of the collaboration building the Vera Rubin Observatory which will power the next astronomical revolution.
Amaury Triaud, Professor of Exoplanetology at the University of Birmingham, is an expert in the field of exoplanet detection and characterisation. Exoplanets are planets that orbit around other stars than the Sun. Amaury has engaged in regular collaborations with artists throughout his career, spanning literature, music, dance, and the visual arts. He has a strong conviction that artistic and scientific practices are two complementary means to explore and make sense of the world around us. Thanks to collaborations with artists he hopes society will become more scientifically literate and appreciative of science as an integral part of culture.
Sian Prosser manages the library and archives of the Royal Astronomical Society, making them accessible to researchers, working with colleagues to use them in outreach and education activities. She promotes the history of astronomy and of the people who created and used the RAS collections. After a PhD on medieval manuscripts, she qualified as a librarian and has completed the Certificate in Astronomy at UCL. She is treasurer of the Historic Libraries Forum.
Ione Parkin RWA is a visual artist and curator of Cosmos: The Art of Observing Space. She co-leads the international art-astronomy project, Creativity and Curiosity. An Academician’s Council member; a Visiting Honorary Fellow, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leicester; and a British Association of Planetaria member. Her large-scale paintings express her fascination with the early formation of the universe, cosmic dust and gas, and solar dynamics, creating luminous visions of immensity; her mixed media artworks are speculations on undiscovered planetary surfaces. Parkin exhibits nationally and internationally and her work is included in Private and Public Collections.
