The project Earth, A Cosmic Spectacle explores deep time, contrasting Earth’s slow evolution with the rapid changes of the Anthropocene. Gathering reflections from astronomers, biologists, geologists, and high school students, artist Louise Beer uses photography, sound and discussion to connect audiences emotionally to Earth’s history and climate crisis.

Louise works closely with scientists to explore how understanding the universe’s 13.8-billion-year history can deepen our awareness of the cosmic significance of the climate crisis. Through digitally manipulating photography, she combines images of Earth and space to juxtapose the long, slow development of life, the fleeting nature of a lifetime, and the accelerating pace of the climate crisis. Accompanied by a soundscape of birdsong and cosmic recordings, Louise places Earth’s natural sounds from the local environment within a universal framework.

At the heart of Louise’s work is engaging with the public to explore complex scientific and environmental ideas accessible, and to show their relevance to our lives. She works to invite the viewers of her work to experience a care connection to the environment, helping audiences feel deeply linked to the universe, and Earth’s deep-time history and future, through science and art.

About the Artist

Louise lived in Aotearoa New Zealand until 2002 before moving to the UK, where she now works between London, Margate and Aotearoa New Zealand. Louise uses installation, moving image, photography, audience participation works and sound to explore humanity's evolving understanding of Earth’s environments and the cosmos.

Louise is currently artist in residence at the Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge, developing the wider project Earth, A Cosmic Spectacle with Dr. Matthew Bothwell. This builds on the first iteration in 2023-4, funded by a British Council grant, where she worked with Dr Ian Griffin at Tūhura Otago Museum, Aotearoa New Zealand. The exhibition in The Everybody Gallery merges both iterations, as well as incorporating new elements from Halifax and the surrounding area.