Look up at the night sky and you may spot a wolf, a bear, or a crane in one of the eighty-eight internationally recognized constellations in the map of stars. Are you curious about the real animals here on earth and their livelihoods especially as we face a climate change predicament? Have you ever thought that perhaps we will eventually only be able to see them as formations in the sky when they no longer exist on earth?
Astral Reparations is a collaboration between visual artist, Cindy Y. Lam and writer/textile artist, Rita Mason. This project fuses together astronomy, kintsugi and animal conservation to spark curiosity and raise concern around these questions.
Kintsugi means “joining with gold” and is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending with gold epoxy. It is also recognized as the concept of repairing something broken and rather than discarding it, transforming it into something better.
Astronomy is referenced through the constellations, which are collection of stars linked together to represent a figure, animal, or object in the sky. Many cultures across the globe have stories and myths linked to the constellations. There are eighty-eight constellations recognized by the IAU (International Astronomical Union) of which forty-two are animals, clearly evidence of their significance. Together with other astronomical objects, the constellations form maps in the sky. Star maps are used by astronomers to identify various parts of the sky. In ancient times, stars were used for navigation, marking seasonal changes and even crop predictions. In many ways the stars have always provided guidance and answers to earthly questions.
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Cindy Y. Lam is a visual artist currently pursuing an MA in Fine Art at Falmouth University, UK. Rita Mason is a writer and textile artist. Both artists are based in Toronto, Canada and they share a love and concern for all animals. The artists want to thank Gallery 1313 for it’s support and the opportunity to share their collaborative project. Part of the proceeds from sales will be donated to the World Wildlife Fund Canada.
Copyright © 2023 Cindy Y. Lam- All Rights Reserved.