Passing into Shadow

Artspace 304 partnered with SIU Professors Antonio Martinez and Bob Baer to create a 3-dimensional work of art celebrating the 2024 Eclipse, entitled Passing into Shadow. This multi-month, multicultural, multidisciplinary public arts and science project is open to the public from January 25 through April 13, 2024. The installation is made possible by a significant gift from the Simons Foundation. Underwriting by Banterra Bank supports Eclipse-related programming.

The fascinating exhibit pays homage to the imaginative narratives our ancestors created when solar eclipse phenomena confounded their understanding of the natural world. Martinez’s installation includes a sampling of these cultural narratives and images, combined with high-tech photography and scientific facts, which, taken together, demonstrate the event’s significant influence on communities, beliefs, and individuals. Backed by Baer’s scientific background, Martinez uses a series of glass plates to show the solar corona in 3D, as it exists in space rather than the 2D depictions typically seen. Multiple “grottos” contain images and folklore of eclipses from past eras.

Artspace 304 plans a series of talks exploring celestial science and history, concerts for all ages, and make-and-take art projects for children to complement the art installation with support from our premier corporate sponsor Banterra. 

The public reception to celebrate the exhibition’s opening is from 1:00 to 4:00 pm on Saturday, January 27. Brief talks by the exhibition’s creators will occur on the half hour. This event is free and open to the public. Please park in the First Christian Church parking lot, located on W Monroe Ave and S University Dr. Regular gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 5:00 pm. 

About the Simons Foundation Program

“The Simons Foundation’s Science, Society and Culture division seeks to provide opportunities for people to forge a connection to science — whether for the first time or a lifetime. Through our initiatives, we work to inspire a feeling of awe and wonder, foster connections between people and science, and support environments that provide a sense of belonging. The Simons Foundation’s mission is to advance the frontiers of research in mathematics and the basic sciences. Since its founding in 1994 by Jim and Marilyn Simons, the foundation has been a champion of basic science through grant funding, support for research, and public engagement. We believe in asking big questions and providing sustained support to researchers working to unravel the mysteries of the universe. Through our work we make space for scientific discovery.” For more information, visit inthepathoftotality.org

About Banterra

Whether volunteering time, promoting charities throughout the year in our branches, or making financial donations, you can find Banterra’s ongoing support for the needs of our communities. The Banterra team donates time, talent, and money to various community causes, and the largest line item in Banterra’s marketing budget is dedicated to simply giving back to our communities. Banterra knows the importance of giving back.