Why Astronomical Art

It is my contention that astronomical art expresses a yearning for a deeper purpose for existence that goes beyond the rudiments of survival. For centuries, humankind has raised its eyes to the heavens and made sacrifices, sent up prayers, given thanks and otherwise attempted to connect with a power or presence greater than itself. From the beginning, humans have looked at their surroundings with fear and awe and sought answers for “why” and “how.” Invariably, explanations have included theological, philosophical and scientific musings and investigations. At nearly every turn, these probes into the surrounding darkness have reached heavenward and included the stars.

I believe that we as a species have an innate need to feel that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves, that we feel the need to connect with a purpose that is greater than comfort, survival, and procreation. I think that this need arises from a fear of feeling insignificant and out of control—what psychologists refer to as “control issues.” We see the forces of nature and the universe around us as mysterious, great and intimidating. When we feel connected to something larger than ourselves, we assuage those fears in a way that gives us at least a modicum of answers and belonging, if not some belief in purpose and control of our environment. We connect and feel as if we are a part of something greater that does have control and by extension, so do we as well. Armed with reason, and feeling a part of the controlling forces, we divine a purpose to our otherwise seemingly isolated and small existence. To feel a part of something greater gives us a comfort beyond the physical and a purpose beyond our own limited lives.

Whether that something greater is expressed theologically, philosophically or scientifically, the arts have always been behind it all to give voice and vision to these musings. To create is to be a part of a club of creators, the head of which is the grand creator of it all: the creator of the universe. It does not matter in what form that creator is envisioned, nor what the particular formulation is of principles, rules or forces to which we subscribe. What matters is that we as humans do in fact put great emphasis on these explorations.

In my work, I explore a new vision of astronomical art with a new medium. These artworks have been created by the exploration of virtual space, a space that was created through the exploration of outer space (i.e.: computers as a technological result of the space program). Moreover, I aim to demonstrate three phases of astronomical art: mystical, illustrative and visionary. In the past, astronomical art remained iconic and symbolic, having developed from mysticism into astrology and theology. A new phase began in the mid to late seventeenth century when science and science fiction brought about an attempt at realism and speculative illustration. Finally, artists today are creating astronomical works for their own amusement and personal satisfaction, exploring their inner visions and psyche. This form of internal motivation parallels the creative urges of modernist-era artists and takes astronomical art past the illustration, pop culture and kitsch of mass production into a level of artistic endeavor that may now be recognized as high art.

It is my assertion that these particular explorations of astronomical art cross the boundaries of space and time, span the history of humankind, and unite in a cross-disciplinary fashion the subjects of theology, philosophy and science in ways that no other art form can.

Mitchell Davidson Bentley, 3/06 Excerpts from my Masters Thesis —
Astronomical Art: A Historical Analysis and Exhibition of Digitally Created Work