Holbein in Other dimensions

2017 | Oil and Resin on Aluminium | 200 x 185 x 25 cm

This artwork takes its inspiration from the masterpiece of Hans Holbein the Younger in the 17th century - The Ambassadors, held by the National Gallery in London.  The work explores the idea of mortality - more specifically your  own awareness of your own mortality.  This synthesis of painting and sculpture takes the concept of "Aperture Synthesis" from Astronomy and metaphorically applies the technique to Holbein's work, offering an alternative perspective on the same heavenly bodies.

A short history lesson

A short Astronomy lesson: Superimposing Spectrums

The base concept for this work  is derived from a technique used widely in astronomy called Aperture Synthesis.  Specialized instruments observe light far beyond the ranges visible to the naked eye.  Different wavelength of light convey almost-mystical information about components of the sun's surface and atmosphere.  

This artwork called "Ambassadors in Other Wavelenghts" develops on that idea.  As a metaphor it is the very message and imagery explored by Holbein... the same afterlife... only viewed at different wavelengths to give a deeper understanding.

In the image below you will see 13 different images of the sun, each taken in a different wavelength band.

SDO views the sun in 13 different ways, using two different on-board instruments.Credits: NASA/SDO/Goddard Space Flight Center

SDO views the sun in 13 different ways, using two different on-board instruments.

Credits: NASA/SDO/Goddard Space Flight Center

Credits

Hans Holbein the Younger (Inspiration),  Graham Walker (Engineering), CDG (Engineering), Metro Imaging (Imaging), Estelle Lovatt (Inspiration)