Ashley Zelinskie Solo Exhibition Unfolding the Universe: First light
Ashley Zelinskie Solo Exhibition Unfolding the Universe: First light
October 6 - 23, 2022 6-9pm
A solo exhibition of work by conceptual artist Ashley Zelinskie, curated by Maggie Masetti in cooperation with NASA's James Webb Space Telescope team of scientists and engineers.
The exhibition features Zelinskie’s first VR artwork “Unfolding the Universe: A NASA Webb VR Experience” which includes animated sculpture and interactive portraiture of Webb team members. This work was created to commemorate the launch of Webb in December 2021 and has since been updated to include new elements reflecting the telescope’s “First Images” data released on July 12th. The exhibition also features sculpture and installation inspired by Webb’s first images and created with the guidance of expert scientists in the corresponding fields. The work will reflect everything from exoplanet spectroscopy and infrared image processing to Webb’s signature six-pointed stars. “Exploration,” a piece created by Zelinskie for the JWST Art + Science exhibit at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in 2017—and now coming to Onassis ONX—used scans of the arms of scientists (as well as her own) reaching for the cosmos, all delicately rendered in the equations that describe relativity and telescopes.
Zelinskie has been working with NASA for seven years on various projects and artworks, including works for the ongoing Osiris-Rex Mission and a collaboration with retired astronaut Mike Massimino on his Hubble mission. Her work with the James Webb Space Telescope team has led to artworks shown at the NASA visitor centers and internationally at art galleries.
Zelinskie’s understanding and passion for science, along with her traditional and hi-tech skills, put her in a unique position to make such art. This has led to collaborations with other institutes such as the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and a growing reputation as a ‘scientific translator,’ able to convey scientific concepts not only accurately but beautifully.
Holograms on display at “Unfolding the Universe: First Light” have been generously made possible by Looking Glass's innovative 3D holographic display technology.
Exhibition presented by Onassis ONX, Onassis and NEWINC, in partnership with Mozilla Hubs and with the cooperation of NASA.
No RSVP necessary for the exhibition but essential for the program of talks.
Can’t make it to the Gallery? Don’t Worry! Join us online and Unfold the Universe from your own home!
No special VR hardware is required, though the VR experience requires a desktop browser (it is not mobile-compatible). (Note: If you do have VR hardware, you can use it to experience the gallery.)
https://unfoldtheuniverse.myhubs.net/
October 15: "Unfolding the Universe" Tech Panel Hosted by Mozilla
It's no secret a lot of new, cutting edge technology went into producing "Unfolding the Universe: First Light". Here is your chance to meet the teams that made it happen. Hosted by our partner Mozilla! Speakers include: John Shaughnessy - Mozilla Hubs, Pierre-Francois Gerard - Metaxu Studio, and Arturo J. Real - Looking Glass Factory
October 16: "Unfolding the Universe" with Dr. Naomi Rowe-Gurney, NASA Goddard
Join us for a presentation by Dr. Naomi Rowe-Gurney on how the James Webb Space Telescope is looking at our solar system and some of the recent pictures and science, the work she has done during commissioning, and her work supporting solar system science, specifically ice giant research.
October 21: "Unfolding the Universe" with Elaine Stewart and Paul Geithner, NASA
Join us for a presentation by Elaine Stewart, Aerospace Engineer on the James Webb Space Telescope, and Paul Geithner, Deputy Project Manager - Technical for the James Webb Space Telescope at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.
October 22: "Unfolding the Universe" Closing Party and Talk with Dr. John C. Mather
Join us for the closing reception of Ashley Zelinskie's "Unfolding the Universe: First Light" and a presentation by Dr. John C. Mather (NASA Goddard) on "unlocking the infrared treasure chest" the history of The James Webb Space Telescope, what we hope to discover, and the discoveries we have already made in just a few short months!
