The tyro’s perspective: Art and science as an auto-didactic project

Abstract

The voice of the student reflecting on the processes of auto-didactic experimentation is little heard, yet their perspective provides insights into the interdisciplinary contexts that inform and constitute diverse art disciplines. The artworks and discussion offered in this visual essay were inspired by the photographic archives of the European Space Agency, focusing on Mars and Lunar imagery. The intention is to offer a feminist critique of neo-colonialist explorations of deep space and to project subtle visual messages in public space regarding the gendering of art. This visual essay conveys the need for closer engagement of formal art education with interdisciplinary knowledge, specifically science. Here, the esoteric and technical language of the earth sciences is enriched by the alternative meaning-making practices of visual art.