Painting the Cosmos - by Nia Imara (Paperback)

About the Book

"In Painting the Cosmos, astrophysicist and visual artist Dr. Nia Imara comprehensively illustrates the history of the universe and our position in it through the interwoven perspectives of astrophysics and art"--

Book Synopsis

National Indie Excellence Awards Winner in Science

A stunning portrait of our vast, dynamic, and mysterious universe . . . as seen through the lenses of astronomy and art

What is our place in the universe? Where do art and science overlap? How can we use these disciplines to better understand the universe . . . and how do they help us to shape our reality? In Painting the Cosmos, astrophysicist and visual artist Nia Imara combines these perspectives to comprehensively illustrate the history of the universe and our position in it.

In this eye-opening and accessible book, Imara asks pivotal questions and explores humanity's ever-evolving view of nature. Richly illustrated with spectacular full-color images of our universe and beautiful work from creators around the world--particularly the often-neglected work of women and Black artists--this one-of-a-kind book unites the realms of art, science, and culture to create a dynamic portrait of the cosmos.

From the Big Bang to life on other planets--while also explaining the most exciting recent developments in astronomy--with Imara's guiding expertise, readers will explore:

The limits of objectivity in understanding reality The role of harmony and rhythm in the universe and art How light functions as a storyteller How scientists and artists help us "see" the invisible--from black holes to marginalized experiences The possibility of life beyond our solar system, and how we define intelligence

Painting the Cosmos will captivate and inspire you to see the world around you in a brand new, fascinating light where space and art are beautifully intertwined.

Review Quotes

"Rarely does the astronomer communicate both the knowledge of scientific discovery and the beauty, wonder and reverence for mystery that such knowledge evokes. In Painting the Cosmos, Imara does just that by bringing her humanity into the narrative, by situating the science within her cultural context, and by showing us the meaning she's made of the world through the art, poetry, and music that touches her."
--Natalie Batalha, professor of astronomy and astrophysics and director of astrobiology at UC Santa Cruz

"This groundbreaking book takes the reader on a journey that majestically interweaves art and astronomy and their impact on humanity's quest for knowledge and meaning. From the oldest human drawings to ancient astronomical observatories, it reveals how these pursuits have always been essential for understanding and creating. Imara highlights the timeless relevance of art in grounding and inspiring us amidst modern technological advancements."
--Stephon Solomon Alexander, PhD professor of theoretical physics at Brown University and author of The Jazz of Physics

About the Author

Dr. Nia Imara is an artist and astrophysicist born in Oakland, California. She is a graduate of Kenyon College, received her PhD in astrophysics from UC Berkeley, did her postdoctoral work at Harvard University, and is currently a professor of astronomy at UC Santa Cruz. Her nonprofit organization, Onaketa, provides free STEM tutoring and other educational resources for black and brown youth in the United States and Ghana.