Novae
2010

12 archival Inkjet-prints in grey wooden frames
Sizes from 20.5 x 15 in to 15.8 x 21.7 in.

1958 NASA launched EXPLORER 1, its first satellite, into space. The launch marked a turning point in the exploration of space and the spacecraft became a symbol of mankind’s aspiration to reach new frontiers.

The satellite’s physical form was cylindrical. It weighted 13,97 kilogram and consisted of three functional elements: the booster, a battery and an instrument section for scientific research. Its external skin was painted in alternate strips of white and green for passive temperature control. The pattern of the light and dark strips had been determined by studies of shadow-sunlight intervals based on firing time, trajectory, orbit, and inclination. It was a direct result of functional decisions.

Working on the „Novae“ images I often pondered how the function and physical appearance of an object informs our concept of it. I became interested in how we attribute meaning to our creations, how we negotiate our condition in dialogue with the structures we build around us.

„Novae“ was photographed in electronic stores within the course of 15 months in 2009 and 2010. They provide a visual experience significant for our moment in time. Not only are they designed based on functional reasoning how to best present the displayed products. The combination of fluorescent lighting, design choices and materiality create an artificiality which reminded me of science fiction movies or digital environments from the past. I assume that in their physicality these spaces will age rapdily and represent a transient state towards entirely digital representations.

Nova (mmk 1)
Nova (mmk 1), 2010, 20.5 inch x 15 inch,

Pigment Print, framed.

Nova (stu 2)
Nova (stu 2), 2010, 20.5 inch x 15 inch,

Pigment Print, framed.

Nova (mdx 4)
Nova (mdx 4), 2010, 20.5 inch x 15 inch,

Pigment Print, framed.

Nova (mdx 3)
Nova (mdx 3), 2010, 15.7 inch x 21.7 inch,

Pigment Print, framed.

Nova (ecs 1)
Nova (ecs 1), 2010, 20.5 inch x 15.4 inch,

Pigment Print, framed.

Nova o.T. (mmk 4)
Nova o.T. (mmk 4), 2010, 20.5 inch x 15.4 inch,

Pigment Print, gerahmt.

Nova o.T. (stu 1)
Nova o.T. (stu 1), 2010, 15.7 inch x 21.7 inch,

Pigment Print, gerahmt.

Nova  (ecs 2)
Nova (ecs 2), 2010, 20.5 inch x 16.1 inch,

Pigment Print, framed.

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