Questions on Empty Space

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Questions on Empty Space
2004
five single-signature books in slip case, archival digital pigment prints
10.25”H x 6.25”W x 2”D
Edition of 5

Questions on Empty Space responds to Otto Von Guericke’s 17th century treatise, Experiments on Empty Space (Experimenta Nova (ut vocantur) Magdeburgica de Vacuo Spatio), which asks questions about the sky and infinity, the edge of the universe and empty space. He filters his inquiry through science, faith, and philosophy. Despite centuries of scientific advancement, many of these questions remain. Each of my books examines his questions through images of earth and sky, with texts that float between: How Can Space Be Perceived? Is Space Finite or Infinite? Where Is Somewhere? What is Imaginary Space? The fifth book is a source book, recreating the original publication for reference. 

The earth, together with the air, constitutes one separate celestial body.
The air surrounding the earth fills all the empty spaces.
What is the difference between space and sky or eternal and internal space?

The work was developed for an exhibition at the Lloyd Library and Museum, pairing an artist’s book with a science book from their archive. The Lloyd Library and Museum is an independent research library in Cincinnati, Ohio whose collection focuses on the history of medicine and science.