Marketing and Communications
Spectacular galaxies on display at the Schneider Museum of Art (1/6/09)
The universe goes on display next week at the Schneider Museum of Art in Ashland. Thirty full-color images of some of the most unusual galaxies known are featured in Arp’s Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies, which runs January 15 through March 28, 2009. The show also includes astronomical-themed works from prominent artists. There will be an opening reception on Thursday, January 15, from 5 to 7 pm.
Inspired by the book The Arp Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies: A Chronicle and Observer’s Guide by Jeff Kanipe and Dennis Webb (Willmann-Bell, 2006; arpatlas.com), the exhibit explores the strange galactic star systems observed by astronomer Halton C. Arp in the 1960s. The latest images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope give viewers a glimpse of galaxies that defy classification.
"Arp actually applied both artistic and scientific standards when he was compiling his Atlas," says Kanipe, an astronomy writer based in Maryland. "Like good art, these galaxies blur the boundary between what is considered 'normal' and 'not normal'." Co-author Webb, a Texas-based amateur astronomer and retired NASA project manager, notes that such images encourage us to look deeper into nature. "A collection of peculiar things that challenges the orthodox view of the world intrigues artists and scientists alike," he says. "After 40 years, Arp’s Atlas is a visual masterpiece that captures this special 'territory'. The recent Hubble Space Telescope images take us deeper into these strange things."
Complementing the science side of the show are 15 American artists who also look to the heavens for inspiration and insight: Lita Albuquerque, Shawn Brixey, Vija Celmins, Russell Crotty, Peter de Lory, J. Brett Grill, John Hess, Michiko Itatani, Christina Licata, Sara Mast, Michael C. McMillen, Trevor Paglen, Anna Von Mertens, June Wayne and Tom Yahnke.
"We are mixing a little art and a little science in this project," says Schneider Museum of Art Director Michael Crane. "Our view is that these disciplines are not polar opposites, but rather parallel investigations that are able to complement one another, with each adding perspective to the search for big answers."
The exhibit is part of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 (www.astronomy2009.org), sponsored by UNESCO and the International Astronomical Union.
The Schneider Museum is located on the Southern Oregon University campus, near the intersection of Indiana Street and Siskiyou Blvd. Follow signs to parking. Hours are Monday through Saturday 10 am to 4 pm, Tuesdays until 8 pm, and Sundays from noon to 4 pm. Call 541-552-6245 for more information.