November 6, 2005–January 8, 2006, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Iñigo Manglano-Ovalle’s Vanishing Sky (2005) is a monumental, constantly changing image of the vast, star-filled cosmos. Ever renewing and never repeated, this purely fictional, computer-generated universe alludes metaphorically to the infinite cycles of creation and destruction. In Vanishing Sky, deep space is animated by subtle rotational movement and twinkling starlight. At any given moment within the 15-minute cycle, 10,000 to 300,000 points of light may be visible. Enormous expanses of time and space are dramatically collapsed in this accelerated simulation of temporal effects—stars glow white-hot, then fade, marking the ebb and flow of eternity.

Distilling and transforming auditory reality, the low pitched, reverberating soundtrack evokes a sense of mystery and awe. A sound that exists at all times—ambient white noise gleaned from empty, silent architectural space—is the archetypal sound of being. The sonorous tone poem resonates with the starry night. Using sound that has cultural, iconic and primal significance, Vanishing Sky suggests the rhythms of the universe. Spectators become participants in this majestic spectacle with its deep emotive sound and surround image. One experiences a cosmos that overwhelms ordinary perception, striking our innermost core.

In this manner, Vanishing Sky addresses the mystery of existence. Why are we born? Why do we die? Using cutting-edge technology, Manglano-Ovalle gives us transcendent, archetypal art invested with reflection and profound philosophical content.

This exhibition was supported by the Campbell Calvin Fund and Elizabeth C. Bonner Charitable Trust for exhibitions. Midwest Airlines was the official sponsor.