Plankton to Constellations

1000 sq. Feet Installation
Montalvo Arts Center, Project Space Gallery
June 2017

Material: black paper, construction paper, reflective stickers, and black lights.

This immersive installation explores the microscopic world of plankton and the infinite world of constellations. 

in Montalvo’s Project Space Gallery, Michele Guieu worked with a group of young campers. They looked at scientific documentation and watched videos about plankton and space. 

This installation is an occasion for the campers and the visitors to reflect on our relationship to the infinitely small and the infinitely large. Plankton is drifting in the darkness of the ocean. Constellations are drifting in the darkness of space. All are luminescent. Their beauty makes us dream and inspires us. The fragility of plankton reminds us that all things on Earth are connected. Plankton’s balance can be disrupted, and when it is, it has consequences for many marine species and beyond. Phytoplankton, in particular, contributes up to 50% of the world’s oxygen to the atmosphere. As humans, we are largely unaware of the world of plankton and the critical foundation it serves for our present and future. Plankton needs our attention: climate change is disrupting these foundational organisms, endangering the marine food web and beyond. When we look at the sky at night, we get a glimpse of the infinite universe we belong to, the possibilities of exploration, and future discoveries. It reminds us that planet Earth is small and fragile, and we need to take care of it the best we can.

Plankton to Constellations is on view and open to the public at the Starry Starry Night festival on Thursday, June 22. That night, the public is invited to participate in the installation: each visitor can create a drawing on black paper using reflective stickers and add it to the installation.