Mysterion of the Cosmos
Carter invites us to consider the difficult notion that the ultimate entity, the so-called “god,” is a living entity that covers the thin crust of this molten planet we call Earth. This “entity” includes: the atmosphere, the planetary life support system, and all living matter within the liquid and gaseous atmospheres and the surfaces and cervices of the rocky crust. Through his artwork, he invites us to reflect on the interconnectedness of the many elements of nature and to consider how our individual actions affect the entire life system of the planet. We are urged to recognize our privileged position on this planet and to commit to actions that will protect and nurture that which we depend on second by second: the life system of the planet. Although our finite minds cannot grasp its magnificence, Jerry invites us to contemplate and appreciate Earth through the Mysterion of the Cosmos.
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Two Exhibitions of the Mysterion of The Cosmos in Florence Italy at:
Mysterion of The Cosmos. Winner of the Lorenzo de Medici Medal for his Mysterion of the Cosmos. Ironically, Carter's award category was in "New Media," when mosaic, one of the oldest pictorial art forms, is combined with cast stone and automotive enamel. Florence, Italy.
( Winner of the Lorenzo di Medici Award at the Florence Biennale. )
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( Mysterion of the Cosmos. Prima opera d'arte esposta al Laboratorio di Astrofisica di Arcetri, dominato dalla residenza di Galileo. Inaugurazione il giorno del compleanno di Leonardo da Vinci, il 15 aprile 2004.)
Arcetri Astrophysics Laboratory, Florence
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Mysterion of the Cosmos: At The Florence International Biennale for Contemporary Art
Description of Jerry Carter’s iconographic reliefs at the Florence International Biennale of Contemporary Art.
Carter creates an enduring iconography of his subconscious thoughts on the most profound issue facing human existence: the future of life on Earth and humanity’s interaction with that future.
The Observer” 90X60X4 cm. is a triangular composition of Venetian glass mosaic, molten stone and car enamel. It represents the observer, artist/scientist, taking notes, in the green vegetation. The tessellated background represents the warm earth atmosphere.
Green Life Disc [Image of Gaia]. 100 cm. The "Disc of Life" represents the repository of all the genetic code for Life on Planet Earth. The continuing degradation of the Disc of Life is causing the genetic code for Life to be lost. The observer is looking through the surface of the planet's atmosphere as it thins and disappears.
Pegasus, 90X60X4 cm. is a triangular composition. It represents the possibility of nobility of the inspired and imaginative human soul in union with the forces of Gaia. The artworks as a group are a single pictogram of visible and invisible meaning. The geometric composition of the negative space between these three artworks has a meaning of a non-present object, similar to those expressed by certain Renaissance artists.
GAIA's symbolic idea, the Green Life Disc, is the artist's analogy for the genetic codes of planetary life stored in the thin surface atmosphere of the Earth, much like the digital information embedded in a Compact Disc or CD. One source of information is stored multidimensionally on the thin rocky crust of a spherical molten planet, while the other medium is stored on a two-dimensional disc. Both are means of preserving the essence of important information. The Green Life Disc "CD" represents human interest and all sources of terrestrial life forms and various elements of our planetary life in the Earth's support system. This work was first exhibited at Carter's solo exhibition at the National Headquarters of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The Green Life Disc, one of two central artworks, along with the other work called 6th Circle, is one of a series of cast stone reliefs created by Carter. The artistic aspects of Mysterion of the Cosmos derive from Carter's love of mosaic art, stemming from his years of study and work in Ravenna, the capital of mosaic art, as well as his architectural ceramic creations and the American tradition of hot rod-inspired automotive enamel art painting. Carter, also a traditional painter using non-traditional methods, applied layers of automotive enamel following the 14th century Venetian colorists, such as Tintoretto and Titian, who used earth red as a base color with a white blended middle layer overlaid to create depth, layers of transparent colors with crystalline flakes to catch the light, reflecting through a transparent blue layer, and a final sealing glaze.
Artist’s Statement
Public Review from “ Mysterion of the Cosmos” by Jerry Carter. John Spike, Ph.D Harvard. Istoria da Arte. Artistic Director, Florence International Biennale of Contemporary Art. Public Review from “ La Misterium del Cosmo” by Jerry Carter
Spike: "This artist has been officially recognized by NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, for the connection between his art and, you would say astronomy or just science... As I approached the wall, I realized immediately... that the artist was fascinated by science, which of course, has a long and wonderful tradition of artists, especially in Florence, who were interested in science during the Renaissance. During the Renaissance, the desire of the famous Renaissance artist to represent the world in a more realistic way was a central element of their scientific thinking and imagining the world was a way of exploring it scientifically." "This artist is doing the same thing. He could have been a physicist or an astronomer. But he wants to use the metaphor of art to address these issues: And that was also evident when I approached him. So he's telling me what he wants to do. Now, in the way he organized his show as a science demonstration. Because the artist doesn't say to the abstract painter, you could have more concentrated effects with one thing. It's scientific data in a science demonstration, and the more the better, as long as it's not confusing. But it's not. It's very clear." "Yours is a kind of language that you've invented that expresses your very true observations about the situation, about the ecological disaster that's happening. And we need people to be as concerned as you are, otherwise we'll be violinists on top of our own burning pyre. With every breath I take I think of your work."
Dr. John Spike PhD., art historian and Artistic Director of the Florence Biennale reviews Jerry Carter’s Mysterion of the Cosmos at the Florence Biennale of Contemporary Art competition.
Mysterion of the Cosmos seen with Carter and fellow mosaic artist Lillian Broca also exhibiting at the biennale.
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Carter’s Exhibition of the Mysterion of the Cosmos at the Arcetri Astrophysics Observatory. Florence, Italy. April 15- May 28, 2004
Carter explains his creations to the astronomers at the Arcetri Observatory.
Jerry Carter and Dr. Marco Salvati. Director of The Arcetri Astrophysics Laboratory.
Dr. John Spike and Artist Jerry Carter
Exhibition Catalogue
The exhibition of the creation of the American artist Jerry W. Carter, "Mysterion of the Cosmos", was held at the Arcetri Observatory, dominated by the residence of the famous astronomer Galileo Galilei. The exhibition was opened on April 15, Leonardo da Vinci's birthday. The exhibition of Carter's creations was curated by Dr. John T. Spike, Ph.D., artistic director of the Florence International Bi-Annual Competition of Contemporary Art; Dr. Vito Abba, director of public relations of the Florence Bi-Annual; Dr. Maurizio Sericini, https://seracini.com the main technical analyst of Leonardo da Vinci's paintings, especially "The Adoration of the Magi"; and Dr. Marco Salvati, Director of the Arcetri Astrophysics Laboratory in Florence, who opened the exhibition of the "Mysterion of the Cosmos". Consisting of the "Objects of the Mysterion", "Green Life Disc", "Observer" and "Pegasus", the Mysterion of the Cosmos showcased the fusion of art and science, offering the public the opportunity to witness the wonders of the cosmos in the context of art. The Mysterion of the Cosmos exhibition challenged traditional art forms by integrating science and technology, forging a new path for artists. This exhibition marked a celebration of Leonardo da Vinci's visionary creativity, Galileo's groundbreaking discoveries in defining the Earth and the place of the human species in the Universe, and the artist's ability to generate innovative ideas; it is a significant event in the history of contemporary art. The exhibition highlighted the importance of creativity and innovation in art, urging artists to continue to push boundaries.
Il Mysterion del Cosmo at the Arcetri Catalogue. 20 Pages. Texts in English and Italian by Dr. John Spike, Ph.D Art History. Dr. Daniel Yesa Gezari, Ph.D Infra red Astronomer NASA./Goddard Space Flight Center, Artist, Jerry Carter, and Dr. Marco Salvati, Director of the Arcetri Astrophysics Laboratory, Florence Italy.
The Meaning of Carter's Mysterion of the Cosmos Mosaic
The meaning of the mosaic "Mysterion of the Cosmos" created by 21st-century American artist Jerry W. Carter is profound. After winning the Florence Biennale for contemporary art, Florentine art critics followed up their praise of Carter with a stunning exhibition of Carter's Mysterion of the Cosmos at the Arcetri Astrophysics Observatory, overlooked by Galileo's residence and opening Carter's exhibition on Leonardo da Vinci's birthday. This mosaic represents the culmination of the artist's desire to understand the cosmos by bringing together art, science and philosophy. The artist's ability to create such a magnificent work of art is a testament to the artist's understanding of the situation and condition of the Planet in scientific terms through his art. Carter hopes that the potential of humanity in the 21st century will continue to push the boundaries of what we can achieve when we come together. The Mysterion of the Cosmos exhibition at Arcetri is a significant moment in the history of art. This exhibition will hopefully inspire future generations of artists to create works that reflect the reality of life on a planet in the majesty of the cosmos. "The Mysterion of the Cosmos" is a work of art that attempts to explore and express the profound mysteries of the universe. It is a piece that seeks to capture the essence of the enigmatic, the ineffable and the elusive. At its core, "The Mysterion of the Cosmos" is an expression of the human desire to understand the cosmos and our place within it. Through the use of various mediums such as sculpture, painting and mosaic, it attempts to convey the sense of awe and wonder we feel when contemplating the vastness and complexity of the universe. The Mysterion of the Cosmos is a deeply spiritual artwork, reflecting the belief that the cosmos is infused with a divine presence that is both transcendent and immanent. It invites the viewer to contemplate the mysteries of existence and to open themselves to the possibility of a deeper spiritual connection with the universe. At the same time, the Mysterion of the Cosmos is also a celebration of the beauty and majesty of the universe. Through its intricate designs and stunning visual displays, it captures the sense of wonder and awe that the cosmos inspires in us. Ultimately, the Mysterion of the Cosmos is a profound expression of the human condition. It is an artwork that seeks to capture the essence of what it means to be human, to strive for knowledge and understanding, to connect with something greater than ourselves, and to delight in the awe-inspiring beauty of the universe around us.
Mysterion of The Cosmos At The Arcetri. By Jerry W. Carter. Acrylic Painting 1.4M x 1.4M