Charles Morgan Smith
Planetaria
The dome has been a significant means of depicting the heavens for many cultures. From mosques to cathedrals, these structures have been transformed into vehicles for the representation of cosmological ideas. The planetarium dome continues this lineage of depicting the cosmos in this way.
Planetaria is an investigation into the architectural space of the planetarium dome and the aesthetics of photography – in particular, those of astrophotography. I explore notions of temporality, indexicality and the fantastical within these heterotopias. The planetarium transports the viewer through time and the space; immersing them through light projection, sound and visuals. I use the planetarium to create my own astronomical observations, using conventions and aesthetics derived from astro- photography. This work shows the limitations of attempts at observing the cosmos, both personal and those at the cutting edge of image technologies.