The Lunar Mission Gallery
Our Moon adorned with gold represents the incalculable value of our nearest planetary neighbour
Golden Moon
This image is based on satellite mapping of the moon as if looking directly down on its north pole. The moon's surface is presented as if covered with gold. The loose detail and gestural strokes of the artwork seeks to reflect our close connection with Earth's only natural satellite.
Gold held high significance in human culture long before recorded history. As a malleable metal and one of the least reactive chemical elements, it has been fashioned into beautiful objects, used as a means of economic exchange, and more recently, employed in all types of computerized devices. At times it is even found within us.
The gold on or close to the surface of the earth was likely brought here around four billion years ago during the late heavy bombardment of asteroids. During that interstellar assault, the moon was also showered with gold that now lays beneath its barren sombre-grey surface.
Despite its allure, Golden Moon also declares a cautionary note. Humans have plundered and seized the treasures of their neighbours for their wealth. They have gouged the earth in search of precious metals, and their avarice has known no bounds. The image is both a metaphor of the moon's value, and our need as explorers to be mindful of its exploitation.
