Star Maps, Earth Codes: an Interdisciplinary Exploration of Art and Astronomy
STAR MAPS, EARTH CODES: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY EXPLORATION OF ART AND ASTRONOMY By Danni Wei A capstone project submitted for Graduation with University Honors May 5, 2016 University Honors University of California, Riverside APPROVED _______________________________ Dr. Gabriela Canalizo Co-advisor, Dr. Mario De Leo Winkler Department of Physics and Astronomy _______________________________ Asher Hartman Department of Art ________________________________ Dr. Richard Cardullo, Howard H Hays Chair and Faculty Director, University Honors Associate Vice Provost, Undergraduate Education Abstract: The objective of this research-based creative activity is to formulate an experimental play that intersects fields of astronomy and art. My goal, in terms of audience reaction, is to provide: 1. A Sense of Wonder (emotional impact) 2. Opportunity for Involvement (physical impact) and 3. Information (intellectual impact) for my audience. The play acts as a cross-cultural exploratory vehicle, utilized to make connections with the Universe by understanding how sky lore from various ancient civilizations reflect their ways of life. The main inquiry is whether or not I am able to appropriate archaeoastronomical data to create a viable, wondrous artwork for the modern day person to connect with, while conveying scientific information at the same time. By researching peer-reviewed sources in both archaeoastronomy and art, I was able to come across an intersection—a few subjects of interest unbounded by cultures, religions, time, locations, and fields of study. The end result is the birth of a mixed media theatrical experience that envelops the singular Spectator with sky lore of the Orion constellation told across civilizations, animated by abstract puppets, lights, and sounds. The puppet theatre structure, which was stationed at UC Riverside's Phyllis Gill Gallery, was open by appointment only from December 5th to December 9th of 2015.
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