Joseph Cornell and astronomy
Subtitle: a case for the stars
By: Kirsten Hoving.
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published: 2009
Place of publication: Princeton
Language: eng
Number of pages: 307
ISBN-13: 9780691134987
Subjects: Cornell, Joseph -- Criticism and interpretation; Cornell, Joseph -- Knowledge -- Astronomy; Astronomy in art
Description: This book provides an in depth look at one artist's intense fascination with the science of astronomy. Joseph Cornell (1903-72) has often been viewed as a recluse, isolated in his home on Utopia Parkway, lost in the fairy tales and charming objects of his collages and assemblage boxes. Less commonly known has been Cornell's vested and serious interest in the history of astronomy and the cutting-edge discoveries made during his own lifetime. An avid reader, he amassed a library of books and articles about science and astronomy, and his reflections about these subjects had a direct impact on his art. This book explores why astronomy captivated Cornell, and considers hundreds of his works: found-footage films, three-dimensional space-object boxes, enigmatic collages, and cosmic ephemera, that contain references to astronomical phenomena. The author considers Cornell's enormous collection of astronomy materials, ranging from eighteenth-century books to recent works; newspaper and magazine articles that Cornell clipped and sorted; and diary entries of his observations while stargazing in his backyard. She examines how Cornell explored many dimensions of astronomy through his identities as a Christian Scientist and surrealist artist. Unfolding Cornell's work with depth and breadth, this work offers a convincing and original appreciation of this intriguing American artist.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Cross-indexing the cosmos; title: Surreal science of soap; title: Movie stars; title: Astronomia fantastica; title: Observatories; title: Science of the stars; title: Twilight zone.