Do trees and astronomic phenomena relate?
Research says they do. As does photographer Beth Moon, who cleverly displays the juxtaposition of the Baobab and Quiver trees against the Milky Way in a Louisiana Art & Science Museum exhibit.
“Diamond Nights: Photographs by Beth Moon” is on display until Jan. 15. The photos, featuring the iconic “Tree of Life” Baobab and the surreal Quiver, were taken in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.
A self-taught photographer, Moon travels around the world taking photos. For this series, she traveled to areas far from urban lights to better photograph the breathtaking views of the Milky Way, museum curator Elizabeth Weinstein said.
“A lot of artists digitally refigure their images but these were taken as you see them,” Weinstein said. “She set up some lights, but sometimes it was so dark she would have to put a rock in the landscape to help her find what she wanted to photograph.”
Valuing quality over quantity, the exhibition features a mere seven photographs. But what the exhibition lacks in numbers, it makes up for in content.
Weinstein said the photos are “beautiful” works. The pieces are distinctive and both visually and fanatically appealing.
Studies show that starlight can affect tree growth and that trees respond to the rhythm of the planets, with different trees budding at certain times. Oak trees respond to Mars, while Beech trees respond to Saturn.
Moon’s idea to photograph iconic trees against the Milky Way pushes people to consider trees as living organisms that respond to celestial phenomena, which becomes a great theme for an art and science museum, Weinstein said.
“As an art and science museum, I’m always looking for things that make that connection,” Weinstein said.
Adding to the celestial experience, the photos are displayed in a darkened environment. Weinstein said she believes museum visitors enjoy interacting with Moon’s work and the exhibit, while small, leaves a big impact.
“Everybody relates to trees,” she said. “They’re all over the world. We take them for granted a lot but we need trees for our own survival.”
Moon, who visited the museum recently, is gifting LASM two of “Diamond Nights’” featured photos and one from a separate series.
“I’m proud to be able to show her work,” Weinstein said. “When there is an artist like Beth who is really pushing the envelope as well as making wonderful thought-provoking work, it’s an honor to be able to show it.”
The exhibit is fittingly placed in the Universe Gallery, near the planetarium entrance. Admission is $9 for adults. University students can pay a one-time fee of $8 and, in turn, receive free admission for one year.
Some of Beth Moon's photographs on display on Nov. 30, 2016 at the Louisiana Art and Science Museum in downtown Baton Rouge.
