Courtney Wrenn

Independent Artist, USA

Abstract

Nebulae (emission / absorption)

Collage on panel, 4x 8. Using colour laser copies of nebulae, the dual composition recombines torn pieces of several nebulae images. Optically entangled from light colour patterns, the focus of each nebula resembles the opposing behaviour of absorption and emission nebula. The collages include false colour composite astronomical images to extend the visualization beyond the limits of the human eye.
The subtleties of infrared and x-ray interpreted light appear to observe extra-dimensions that we intellectually understand. The layered torn paper creates forms for visual experience/contemplation.
The pseudonym, scrapworm, names the allegory of my creative process. This identity is a human perspective on witnessing the passage of time and figuratively identifies with more subtle entanglements of living systems dynamics.

I have recently been working with astronomical data acquired by space telescopes in my fine art collage work. The nebulae collages seek to create discourse on the time-bending implied by transmitting optical data through deep space (as related to the limit of speed of light and also emerging paradigms on the electric universe, quantum dynamics, and null physics).

 

PowerPoint of Courtney's Presentation

Biographical Details

Master of Fine Arts (interdisciplinary thesis included philosophical and hypermedia themes inspired by astronomy and physics), Graduate Fellowship, Commencement Speaker, Maryland Institute College of Art, Mount Royal School of Art (2008); BSc,University Scholar, cum laude, New York University (2002). Among recent astronomy-related work are: Astronomy Educator, Audio/Visual Production and Planetarium Tech, Hudson River Museum: (from 2008, on going); Astro-timescales: Nebulae, Light Years, Memory & Consciousness,  Archetime Conference and Geek Week Performances @ The Tank, New York (2009); Mini-Curated Micro-Books, Baltimore Book Festival (2007); His Name is Alive & Anti-Social Music: a  4-screen projection of Cosmic Video Collage: Dalek’s Music for ASM,  Monkeytown, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (2008)).