Blue Moon: Lunar Orbiter Silk Cyanotype

Gathered on Pembroke Field at Brown University by an open invitation, 30 Brown University community members assisted in creating this large-scale silk cyanotype. Using the sun’s ultraviolet rays to print pictures of the Moon from archival film, this piece displays photos from Lunar Orbiter 2. The five NASA Lunar Orbiter Missions from 1966—1967 photographed 99% of the Moon to survey for the Apollo Lunar Landing sites. The photos were shot on film aboard the orbiters, developed in orbit, digitally scanned, radioed back to Earth, and projected onto 60 ft x 10 in film rolls. This silk piece was printed in one exposure for its entire length to honor the drama of this technological feat. The Lunar Orbiter film rolls’ scale and images surrounded by descriptive text mirror the format of Chinese handscrolls with their inscriptions and colophons framing landscapes, a connection alluded to with this piece’s use of silk. Join us for a Reception on November 7, 2024 from 5:30pm to 6:30 pm,Granoff Center Kooper Studio on Floor 4N. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP is encouraged, but not required.