A Universe-inspired art challenge
Calling all budding artists with an interest in physics and astronomy.
As part of the University of Southampton's Sciences and Engineering Festival (SOTSEF) Goes Digital, children and adults around the world are being challenged to create a piece of art inspired by their research into astrophysics.
The #SotonAstroArt competition is being run by the Physics and Astronomy team for people of all ages to submit their artwork reflecting 'The Life Cycle of Stars, Supernova and Dark Energy'.
Artwork can take on any form and participants can get their ideas from exploring Southampton's exciting Physics and Astronomy research, as well from other astrophysics research, including:
- The University of Southampton Supernova Group
- The Dark Energy Survey (which includes research from the University of Southampton)
- BBC Bitesize The Life Cycle of a Star
Competition organiser Dr Sadie Jones, Astronomy Public Engagement Leader, said: "In our past art workshops I have been amazed at how the combination of both learning about astronomy and creating art makes people so excited. Some people sit and make art with us for hours.
"My hope is that this competition creates an opportunity for people to make art at home, during lockdown, to find some calm and learn something about stars they didn't already know. They might even feel a little bit more connected to the life cycle of a star, because we are indeed all made of star stuff!"
You can get further inspiration for your artistic creations from examples of work that has been created in previous #SotonAstroArt workshops and watch how Sadie made her own piece of art.
The competition is open to participants around the world and there are four age categories:
- 0 - 11-years-old
- 12 – 16-years-old
- 17 – 18-years-old
- 19-years and older
First prize for each age category is a professional art set, a Hoberman sphere and glow in the dark planets, while second and third prize winners will receive glow in the dark planets. All winners will also get the chance to exhibit their artwork at the next #SotonAstroArt exhibition.
The deadline for entries is 5pm on July 25, 2020. Photos of artwork should be sent to physwizz@soton.ac.uk or uploaded to SotonAstroArt. Make sure you put the age category you are entering and your town and country locations eg. Southampton, UK.