Retro Future Visions of Space

Future Highway by Elstabo

In the 20th Century, images of the future were everywhere. The flying cars of The Jetsons. The robot in Lost in Space. The communicators for Kirk, Spock, and the rest of the Star Trek crew.

Of course, no one can predict the future with any sense of certainty. Some of the futuristic gadgets  proposed by artists, engineers, and scientists were close. Others missed the mark. We have privately funded space ships but we still don't vacations on the moon or Mars.

Using this idea of unrealized science fiction ideas as a starting point, 15 DC area artists have contributed original work to the latest exhibition at the Artisphere entitled Elevator to the Moon: Retro-Future Visions of Space. The artists drew inspiration from many of the flawed ideas of the last century to create a new vision for the future.

The works are intriguing and thought-provoking. And since art is meant to be experienced, not explained, we will let a sample of the works on display speak for themselves. Look at them and figure out what they are saying about us people and our place in a future still to be.

Monkey Sea by Jared Davis

Valkyrie's Regard by Scott Speck

Rapture Rocakteers by Dana Ellyn

Space Buddies by Matt Sesow

The Thinking Cap or All Your Brain Are Belong Us by Todd Gardne

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The Artisphere ins Roslyn is a great free facility to take in new art and performance. You can check out its latest offerings by clicking here.