Satellite images in the art tunnel in Munich
The earth from an unusual perspective
From 2 to 11 January 2008, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the Kunsttunnel München are presenting the exhibition "The Earth from Space". For the exhibition, the DLR in Oberpfaffenhofen has prepared and compiled twelve images from its treasure trove of satellite data according to aesthetic criteria. The images of the Earth, which are the size of advertising posters, are displayed in public spaces at the junction between the U4/U5 and U3/U6 underground lines at Odeonsplatz.
After thirteen years, this exhibition space initiated by Munich artist Regina Haller can almost be called a tradition - it is definitely action art, as the artworks are simply pasted over after ten days, as is usual with advertising posters. So make sure you get there before the "haunting" is over.
The images were derived from physical measurements and therefore show the earth - unlike photographs of astronauts - in false colours. The images therefore appear unfamiliar, harbour visual surprises and show the connection between science and art.
Art and science: this has been an important topic at almost all times. What used to be closely connected seems to have nothing to do with each other today. Although science is more important today than ever before, art hardly deals with the subject at all.
On the outside, we see colourised satellite images that are practically a by-product, almost as if they were a waste product - which is not true due to their function for science. We are impressed by the colours and shapes, by the format and then there is curiosity. The enquiring look at what this large printed piece of paper represents. What was photographed here? Where in the world is this place to be found and is it really so beautiful? The connection to abstract painting is quickly made when you can't decipher the shapes and colours. A little too quickly? Because in addition to the medium, these pictures also differ in their conception, which, once recognised as a scientific satellite image, is completely open and leaves no question about the artist and takes the old school question "What did the artist want to tell us with this?" ad absurdum. Apparently an art without an artist.
It is impossible to tell where science ends here, or whether art was already there long ago!