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Sunderland Repository records the research produced by the University of Sunderland including practice-based research and theses.

Stargazing at the 'Invisible': Photography and the Power of Obscured Light - A Research Partnership with Kielder Observatory

McGhie, Helen (2021) Stargazing at the 'Invisible': Photography and the Power of Obscured Light - A Research Partnership with Kielder Observatory. In: EGU General Assembly 2021, 19 - 30 April 2021, Online.

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)

Abstract

I am a photographic artist, a PhD student and a Lecturer in Photography at the University of Sunderland. Through the still and moving image, my practice reimagines ubiquitous photography through new perspectives, engaged with place and encounter—in my practice-led PhD, I am exploring astronomy at Kielder Observatory, Northumberland, UK (KOAS). I propose a display of lens-based art (demonstrating methods), and a paper to provide context and discussion. This session is significant in engaging a 'global’ audience with creative perspectives from a ‘local’ observatory.

‘Stargazing at the ‘Invisible’: Photography and the Power of Obscured Light – A Research Partnership with Kielder Observatory’ explores how lens-based art can operate within and in response to an observatory in an International Dark Sky Park in Northern England, questioning:

what new encounters with dark skies emerge when a fine-art photographer works in partnership with an astronomy organisation?
can photography visualise the experience of dark sky observation in Northern England?
how can lens-based art communicate a speculative practice of astronomy?
Funded by the National Productivity Investment Fund (part of the UK government’s Industrial Strategy, impacting industrial needs through researcher-industry partner collaborations), my project is designed to mutually benefit the photographic field and KOAS (supporting a new art programme), whilst offering a model for future art and ‘science outreach’ collaborations.

The multi-method work combines image-making, conversations, exhibitions and reflective practice. In addition, an extended artist residency and planned display of practice at KOAS (website, e-newsletters, site-specific contexts and pre-event film screenings) expand the potential for new photographic narratives on astronomy. An immersive encounter with the dark skies at Kielder is crucial to the work, departing from sublime starry-skies that usually illustrate astronomy.

A virtual photography exhibition and paper at EGU21 will introduce my current outcomes to STEM and creative colleagues, provoking dialogues on photography's ability to communicate complex ideas to non-specialist audiences. Concepts include speculative dark skies, encounter, and the perspective of looking from Northern England.

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More Information

Depositing User: Helen Mcghie

Identifiers

Item ID: 16218
URI: http://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/id/eprint/16218
Official URL: https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu21-8348

Users with ORCIDS

ORCID for Helen McGhie: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0002-4172-4123

Catalogue record

Date Deposited: 08 Jun 2023 16:28
Last Modified: 08 Jun 2023 16:28

Contributors

Author: Helen McGhie ORCID iD
Photographer: Helen McGhie

University Divisions

Faculty of Arts and Creative Industries > School of Art and Design

Subjects

Fine Art > Art in Context
Sciences > Environment
Photography > Photography

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