Since childhood, the word ‘universe’ has always evoked a sense of the unknown. Yet, before we knew it, we have entered an era where artists are capturing the cosmos and creating new bodies of work from it.
Bringing Space Closer – Sony’s Cosmic Experiential Project ‘STAR SPHERE’
Sony’s cosmic experiential project ‘STAR SPHERE’ aims to offer a ‘perspective from space’ to a broad audience. By leveraging this cosmic viewpoint across diverse fields such as art, entertainment, and education, the project envisions enriching daily life and the future of Earth, making space more accessible. This initiative is being developed in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the University of Tokyo.
Imaging with the Ultra-Compact Satellite ‘EYE’
In 2023, Sony’s ultra-compact satellite ‘EYE’, equipped with a Sony camera, was launched aboard a SpaceX rocket. At the core of ‘STAR SPHERE’ is the idea of transforming everyday life, education, art, and entertainment through photographs and video captured by the satellite’s camera, offering new perspectives of space and Earth. In fact, at this very moment, the satellite is orbiting the Earth approximately 16 times a day.
What Happens When Humanity Gains a Cosmic Perspective?
To pioneer the application of a ‘cosmic perspective’ across various aspects of daily life, world-renowned contemporary artist Hiroshi Sugimoto—known for his intricate photographic works and profound reflections on humanity and civilization—has been selected as the project’s first partner. As the inaugural user of the space camera equipped on ‘EYE’, Sugimoto is set to create new works.
Having produced conceptual photographic works centered on notions of ‘time’ and ‘narrative’—including the Enoura Observatory, themed around ruins that will endure for ten thousand years—Sugimoto now faces the challenge of creating art that transcends the boundaries of space and time. The anticipation for what he will produce is palpable.
Dialogues on the ‘Cosmic Perspective’: From Science to Imagination
As part of the preparations for this new body of work, a dialogue series exploring the ‘cosmic perspective’ has been released. Set at the Enoura Observatory, Sugimoto, in anticipation of creating works with the space camera, engages with experts from various fields under the theme ‘From Science to Imagination’. Together, they delve deeply into how this emerging cosmic perspective is shaping culture, art, civilization, and society.
