Participating artists: Amy Balkin, Jen Bervin, James Bridle, william cordova, Rohini Devasher, Ala Ebtekar, Spencer Finch, Dianna Frid, Carrie Gundersdorf, Basim Magdy, Brittany Nelson, Demetrius Oliver, Kambui Olujimi, Lisa Oppenheim, Trevor Paglen, Katie Paterson, Dario Robleto, Cauleen Smith, and Kerry Tribe.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, a group exhibition about the mysteries and militarization of outer space, features twenty-nine works by artists that critically engage in poetic, scientific, and geopolitical views of the cosmos. Although the sea of celestial bodies has incited philosophizing and dreaming throughout time, the sky has also become militarized. It serves as a site of international power struggles and an omniscient point of view for surveillance via countless satellites. Our knowledge is constantly evolving with the generation of new data via Mars and moon rovers, Hubble telescope images, Voyager and New Horizons probes, and the Large Hadron Collider, among others. As the human race faces unprecedented crises due to climate change and related global unrest, the sky may hold the key to our collective survival.
The works in the exhibition prompt dialogue about the need for rigorous scientific exploration, unrestrained artistic practice, and informed political action. For example, Amy Balkin’s The Atmosphere, A Guide is a poster-essay that, in the artist’s words, “depicts various human influences on the sky and their accumulated traces, whether chemical, narrative, spatial, or political.” The thirteen cotton flags in Kambui Olujimi’s installation T-Minus Ø feature photographic collages of failed rocket launches and shuttle attempts, while Kerry Tribe’s video The Last Soviet addresses cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev’s 311 days spent on the Mir space station during the fall of the Soviet Union. Cauleen Smith’s video Space is the Place (A March for Sun Ra) follows a rainy Chicago performance of Afrofuturist composer and musician Sun Ra’s “Space is the Place” by a high school marching band, and Brittany Nelson’s large-scale Bromoil photograph Tracks 1 centers around an image the Opportunity Rover took of its own tracks in the Martian landscape. The series of nine clocks comprising Katie Paterson’s Timepieces (Solar System) tells the time on Earth’s moon and the eight planets in our solar system, while the green embroidered text spelling “THERE IS NO RETURN” in Dianna Frid’s NYT, AUG. 22, 2015, JACOB BEKENSTEIN is excerpted from the physicist and black hole theorist’s obituary in the New York Times.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky is curated by University Galleries’ Director and Chief Curator Kendra Paitz. An exhibition catalog is forthcoming in Summer 2020. The exhibition, publication, and programming are supported by grants from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Field trip support is provided by a grant from the Town of Normal Harmon Arts Grant Program.
University Galleries is collaborating with the Illinois State University Planetarium and the Children’s Discovery Museum for programming during the exhibition.
All events are free and open to the public.
Events
Tuesday, January 28 at 6 p.m. at University Galleries: Curator-led tour of the exhibition with Kendra Paitz, University Galleries’ Director and Chief Curator.
Saturday, February 1 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Illinois State University Planetarium: Screening of Kambui Olujimi’s Skywriters. Doors open 20 minutes before showtime. Location and parking information for the ISU Planetarium follows below.
Saturday, February 1 at 4 p.m. at University Galleries: Artist lecture by Kambui Olujimi at University Galleries. The exhibition reception will directly follow this event. Olujimi’s work has been exhibited or screened at the Smithsonian Institution (Washington, D.C.); Museum of Modern Art (New York); Studio Museum in Harlem (New York); MIT List Visual Arts Center (Cambridge, Massachusetts); Sundance Film Festival (Park City, Utah); Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía (Madrid); and Para Site (Hong Kong), among many others. The exhibition reception will directly follow this event.
Saturday, February 1, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Exhibition reception at University Galleries.
Thursday, February 6 at 9:30 a.m.; Saturday, February 8 at 2 p.m.; Tuesday, February 11 at 11 a.m.; Saturday, February 15 at 2 p.m.; and Wednesday, February 19 at 9:30 a.m. at the ISU Planetarium: Additional screenings of Kambui Olujimi’s Skywriters. Doors open 20 minutes before showtime. Location and parking information for the ISU Planetarium follows below.
Saturday, February 8 at 1 p.m. at University Galleries: Exhibition tour and workshop co-presented with the Children’s Discovery Museum. Participants (ages 7-10) will meet at the CDM, come to University Galleries for an exhibition tour, and return to the CDM for an exhibition-related artmaking activity. Registration is required for this free program at childrensdiscoverymuseum.net. This program is made possible by an Illinois Prairie Community Foundation—Mirza Arts and Culture grant awarded to the CDM.
Monday, February 10 at 9 a.m.: Stroller tour at University Galleries.
Saturday, February 15, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.: All ages artmaking workshop led by Tanya Scott, University Galleries’ Curator of Education. No registration required.
Field trip program, curator-led tours, and workshops available by appointment throughout the exhibition. Stipends are available for K-12 schools or community organizations to offset the costs of transportation. Please contact University Galleries at gallery@ilstu.edu or (309) 438-5487 to schedule an appointment.
University Galleries, a unit in the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts, is located at 11 Uptown Circle, Suite 103, at the corner of Beaufort and Broadway streets. Parking is available in the Uptown Station parking deck located directly above University Galleries—the first hour is free, as well as any time after 5:01 p.m.
The Illinois State University Planetarium is located under the white-domed roof at the eastern end of Felmley Hall Science Annex. Felmley Hall is located at the northeast corner of the ISU campus at the intersection of College Avenue and School Street. Free parking for weekend programs is available nearby in University parking lot F-67, located north of the planetarium on School Street. Weekday parking is available in the ISU visitor lot located behind the Bone Student Center / Braden Auditorium, with the entrance on West Locust Street.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020. Photo credit: Anthony Hamilton.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Kambui Olujimi (b. 1976, United States. Lives and works in Brooklyn.)
T-Minus Ø
2017
Installation of 13 mounted flags: digital prints on cotton with aluminum poles, artist-made finials, and zinc pole mounts.
Courtesy of the artist
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Kambui Olujimi (b. 1976, United States. Lives and works in Brooklyn.)
T-Minus Ø
2017
Installation of 13 mounted flags: digital prints on cotton with aluminum poles, artist-made finials, and zinc pole mounts.
Courtesy of the artist
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Kambui Olujimi (b. 1976, United States. Lives and works in Brooklyn.)
T-Minus Ø
2017
Installation of 13 mounted flags: digital prints on cotton with aluminum poles, artist-made finials, and zinc pole mounts.
Courtesy of the artist
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020. Photo credit: Anthony Hamilton.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020. Photo credit: Anthony Hamilton.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020. Photo credit: Anthony Hamilton.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020. Photo credit: Anthony Hamilton.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020. Photo credit: Anthony Hamilton.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Trevor Paglen (b. 1974, United States. Lives and works in Berlin.)
They Watch the Moon
2010
C-print
Courtesy of the artist and Altman Siegel, San Francisco
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020. Photo credit: Anthony Hamilton.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020. Photo credit: Anthony Hamilton.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Amy Balkin (b. 1967, United States. Lives and works in San Francisco.)
The Atmosphere: A Guide
2013 / 2018
Poster essay
Courtesy of the artist
More information and a link to the full text of the poster are available at tomorrowmorning.net/atmosphere.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Spencer Finch (b. 1962, United States. Lives and works in Brooklyn.)
Study for Keplar 186
2017
Florescent fixtures and filters
Courtesy of the artist and James Cohan Gallery, New York
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Dianna Frid (b. 1967, Mexico. Lives and works in Chicago.)
NYT, AUG. 22, 2015, JACOB BEKENSTEIN
2016
Canvas, paper, embroidery floss, and graphite
Courtesy of the artist
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
James Bridle (b. 1980. Lives and works in London.)
Cloud Index
2016
6 video simulations and 1 digital essay presented on 7 iPads
Courtesy of the artist
Cloud Index was originally a digital commission for Serpentine Galleries, London, in 2016. The full project can be accessed at cloudindx.com.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
James Bridle (b. 1980. Lives and works in London.)
Cloud Index
2016
6 video simulations and 1 digital essay presented on 7 iPads
Courtesy of the artist
Cloud Index was originally a digital commission for Serpentine Galleries, London, in 2016. The full project can be accessed at cloudindx.com.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
william cordova (b. 1971, Peru. Lives and works in Miami.)
untitled (papa candelo)
2012–2016
Reclaimed photo, tin, and bag from Ceiba Mocha, Cuba, and candle from Cuzco, Peru
Courtesy of the artist and Sikkema Jenkins & Co., New York
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Basim Magdy (b. 1977, Egypt. Lives and works in Cairo and Basel, Switzerland.)
Someone Tried to Lock Up Time (Everyone Had a Drone)
2018–ongoing
2 C-prints from chemically altered slides on Fujiflex metallic material
Courtesy of the artist and Gypsum Gallery, Cairo
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020. Photo credit: Anthony Hamilton.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020. Photo credit: Anthony Hamilton.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Cauleen Smith (b. 1967, United States. Lives and works in Los Angeles.)
Space is the Place (A March for Sun Ra)
2011
HD video with sound, 10:56 minutes
Courtesy of the artist; Corbett vs Dempsey, Chicago; and Kate Werble Gallery, New York
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020. Photo credit: Anthony Hamilton.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020. Photo credit: Anthony Hamilton.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020. Photo credit: Anthony Hamilton.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Jen Bervin (b. 1972, United States. Lives and works in Guilford, Connecticut.)
"Nothing" is the force that renovates the World
2019
Sihkote-Alin meteorite, glass, and singing bowl
Courtesy of the artist
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Jen Bervin (b. 1972, United States. Lives and works in Guilford, Connecticut.)
"Nothing" is the force that renovates the World
2019
Sihkote-Alin meteorite, glass, and singing bowl
Courtesy of the artist
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Jen Bervin (b. 1972, United States. Lives and works in Guilford, Connecticut.)
"Nothing" is the force that renovates the World
2019
Sihkote-Alin meteorite, glass, and singing bowl
Courtesy of the artist
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020. Photo credit: Anthony Hamilton.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020. Photo credit: Anthony Hamilton.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Dianna Frid (b. 1967, Mexico. Lives and works in Chicago.)
Big Bang & Universe
2016
Embroidery floss and graphite on gesso, mounted
Courtesy of the artist
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Dianna Frid (b. 1967, Mexico. Lives and works in Chicago.)
The Ascents
2001
Unique book: cloth, thread, and heat transfers
Courtesy of the artist
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Cauleen Smith (b. 1967, United States. Lives and works in Los Angeles.)
H-E-L-L-O
2014
Digital video with sound, 11:06 minutes
Courtesy of the artist; Corbett vs Dempsey, Chicago; and Kate Werble Gallery, New York
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Cauleen Smith (b. 1967, United States. Lives and works in Los Angeles.)
H-E-L-L-O
2014
Digital video with sound, 11:06 minutes
Courtesy of the artist; Corbett vs Dempsey, Chicago; and Kate Werble Gallery, New York
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020. Photo credit: Anthony Hamilton.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Rohini Devasher (b. 1978, India. Lives and works in Delhi.)
Atmospheres
2015
Single-channel digital video with sound, 6:56 minutes
Courtesy of the artist and Project 88, Mumbai
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020. Photo credit: Anthony Hamilton.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Rohini Devasher (b. 1978, India. Lives and works in Delhi.)
Atmospheres
2015
Single-channel digital video with sound, 6:56 minutes
Courtesy of the artist and Project 88, Mumbai
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Katie Paterson (b. 1981, Scotland. Lives and works in Berlin.)
Timepieces (Solar System)
2014
9 adapted clocks
Courtesy of the artist and James Cohan Gallery, New York
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020. Photo credit: Anthony Hamilton.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020. Photo credit: Anthony Hamilton.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Dario Robleto (b. 1972, United States. Lives and works in Houston.)
Survival Does Not Lie in the Heavens
2012
Digital inkjet prints mounted on Sintra: a collection of stage lights taken from the album covers of live performances of now-deceased Gospel, Blues and Jazz musicians
Courtesy of the artist and Inman Gallery, Houston
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Lisa Oppenheim (b. 1975, United States. Lives and works in New York City.)
Lunagrams (XIV), 1851/2010
2010
Unique silver toned photogram
Courtesy of the artist and Tanya Bonakdar Gallery, New York
Lunagrams (XIV), 1851/2010
2010
Unique silver toned photogram
Private collection, New York
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Dario Robleto (b. 1972, United States. Lives and works in Houston.)
The Dismantled Sun
2012
Cyanotypes of various astronomers’ historical drawings of solar eclipses, watercolor paper, curly maple, gold-mirrored Plexiglas, linseed oil, and brass
Courtesy of the artist and Inman Gallery, Houston
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Carrie Gundersdorf (b. 1973, United States. Lives and works in Brooklyn.)
Saturn’s rings with dark band
2017
Colored pencil and watercolor on paper
Courtesy of the artist
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Demetrius Oliver (b. 1975, United States. Lives and works in Harlem.)
Messier
2013
Digital C-print mounted on aluminum
Collection of the Frances Young Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, New York, purchased with generous funding from Ann Schapps Schaffer '62 and Melvyn S Schaffer, 2017.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Brittany Nelson (b. 1984, United States. Lives and works in Richmond, Virginia.)
left to right: Sol 4,999 #18; Sol 4,999 #14; and Sol 4,999 #10
2018
Halochrome toned gelatin silver prints
Courtesy of the artist and Patron Gallery, Chicago
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020. Photo credit: Anthony Hamilton.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Basim Magdy (b. 1977, Egypt. Lives and works in Cairo and Basel, Switzerland.)
Someone Tried to Lock Up Time (Cassini)
2018–ongoing
3 C-prints from chemically altered slides on Fujiflex metallic material
Courtesy of the artist and Gypsum Gallery, Cairo
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020. Photo credit: Anthony Hamilton.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Installation views of An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky, curated by Kendra Paitz, and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020.
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Ala Ebtekar (b. 1978, United States. Lives and works in San Francisco and Tehran.)
Nightfall (after Asimov)
2018
Cyanotype exposed by starlight and moonlight on found book page; book: Nightfall by Isaac Asimov, 1941.
Courtesy of the artist and Anglim Gilbert Gallery, San Francisco
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Kerry Tribe (b. 1973, United States. Lives and works in Los Angeles.)
The Last Soviet
2010
Digital video with sound, 10:44 minutes
Courtesy of the artist and 1301PE, Los Angeles
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Kerry Tribe (b. 1973, United States. Lives and works in Los Angeles.)
The Last Soviet
2010
Digital video with sound, 10:44 minutes
Courtesy of the artist and 1301PE, Los Angeles
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Kerry Tribe (b. 1973, United States. Lives and works in Los Angeles.)
The Last Soviet
2010
Digital video with sound, 10:44 minutes
Courtesy of the artist and 1301PE, Los Angeles
An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky
Kerry Tribe (b. 1973, United States. Lives and works in Los Angeles.)
The Last Soviet
2010
Digital video with sound, 10:44 minutes
Courtesy of the artist and 1301PE, Los Angeles