Art Show - Cosmic Revolutions, Canadian Astronomy Photography

The International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009) is a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, stimulating worldwide interest not only in astronomy, but in science in general, with a particular slant towards young people. A new selection of astronomical images, created by amateur and professional astronomers, photographers and artists from across Canada and celebrating 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy, is on display at Steam Whistle Brewing’s gallery from May 27th to June 26th, 2009.

IYA2009 is an activity for the citizens of Planet Earth. It conveys the excitement of personal discovery, the pleasure of sharing fundamental knowledge about the Universe and our place in it, and the value of scientific culture. Astronomical images are not only beautiful; they expand our senses and so enhance our understanding of the Universe. Canada is proud to be among the 135 countries that are participating in international activities, as well as offering uniquely Canadian programs throughout the year, including this photographic display at Steam Whistle Brewing.

Although some images were produced by professional astronomers using large ground- and space-based telescopes, many others were made using no more than a basic camera and a willingness to stay up past others' bedtimes and look at the sky. Since prehistoric times, the night sky has been a source of fascination and delight, and has inspired people to make images. And while the sky has changed only slightly since the dawn of humanity, our ways of looking have changed dramatically. Radio and X-ray telescopes allow us to image wavelengths invisible to the human eye. Images from computer simulations allow us to visualize physical processes operating on the grandest scales of space and time.

This exhibition was made possible first and foremost by all the people who donated their images. These images were curated from a collection of nearly four hundred submitted by amateur and professional astronomers, photographers, and artists from Canada or from Canadian telescopes. The curatorial team included professionally active astronomers, artists, photographers, curators, writers and educators.

Curatorial Team:
Michael Bietenholz (curatorial team chair; astronomer, York University, ON)John Dubinski (astronomer, University of Toronto, ON)
Rémi Lacasse (amateur astronomer, IYA steering committee, QC)
Robin Kingsburgh (lecturer, artist, astronomer, Ontario College of Art and Design, York University, ON)
Jay Anderson (editor Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, MB)
Jonathan Dursi (astronomer, Canadian Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, ON)
Reva Stone (artist, curator, Winnipeg, MB)
Yuichi Takasaka (photographer; BC)

Artists include:
Anton Epp
Steve Irvine
Yuichi Takasaka
Remi Lacasse
Pierre Tremblay
Paul Mortfield and Stefano Cancelli
J.-C. Cuillandre (CFHT) & G. Anselmi (Coelum)
Gary Boyle
Jean-Charles Cuillandre
Daniel Borcard
Jean Guimond
Mike Karakas
David Lafreniere, Ray Jayawardhana, Marten H. van Kerkwijk
Andre Montambault
Michael Bietenholz
Jayanne English (CGPS/U. Manitoba) with support by A R Taylor
John Dubinski
Roy Kaltschmidt
Terence Dickinson
H. S. Kumar & S. Safi-Harb


The Exhibiton Opening will be on Wednesday, May 6th from 6pm to 11pm. To add your name to our guest list, please RSVP to rsvp@steamwhistle.ca

Steam Whistle Gallery
Steam Whistle Brewing hosts monthly art shows and exhibitions in our Retail & Hospitality area to showcase local creative talent. Although many exhibitors are established artists, some are showing for the first time. Steam Whistle does not charge rent for our gallery space, nor do we take commission on any works that sell. At the close of each show, one piece from the show, of the artist’s choice, is donated to our collection.

All exhibitions are open free to the public – Monday to Saturday 12noon to 6pm and Sunday 12noon to 5pm. Steam Whistle Brewing – The Roundhouse – 255 Bremner Blvd. Toronto. (just south of the CN Tower) 416-362-2337 x 246.