PROJECT OVERVIEW //

NASA: Past and Present Dreams of the Future, is a project comprising of an experiential exhibition and book from British photographer Benedict Redgrove. 

With unprecedented access to NASA’s spacecraft, labs and facilities Redgrove has created a body of work that looks at the power of those objects and the effect they have on us emotionally and spiritually.

The “overview effect” is a cognitive shift in awareness reported by some astronauts during space flight, often while viewing the Earth from outer space.

This experience of seeing first hand the reality of the Earth in space, which is immediately understood to be a tiny, fragile ball of life, “hanging in the void”, shielded and nourished by a paper-thin atmosphere. 

From space, national boundaries vanish, the conflicts that divide people become less important, and the need to create a planetary society with the united will to protect this “pale blue dot” becomes both obvious and imperative.

From the projects inception, its ethos has been about invoking reverence and awe to science, NASA and the achievements of human kind in space exploration. Overwhelming the viewer by showing these objects and places in fine detail and at large scale, thus revealing what they mean to us as human beings. 

The objects became greater than the sum of their parts in their lifetime. Now they are even greater when seen from a new perspective. In isolation, out of their contextual environment, alone, hanging in their own space. 

In their singularity they are free of distraction, to be admired emotionally, physically and spiritually.

“All of the experiences during production of this project, combined with the power of each of the objects and finally the way in which they will eventually be exhibited, has enlightened me with an understanding of my own work and my views on religion, science and technology. It is the understanding and acceptance of these elements that finally come together and form its raison d’être.”

“Science, engineering and design are as close to a religion as I can possibly put my belief in. They are manifest. They offer tangible results, are open to challenge and change, and they are progressive and always seeking to improve their understanding and adapt. They offer a form of escapism and yet at the same time they provide a solid foundation, an objective, something to believe in.”

I want to invoke in others, these feelings of respect and awe that I feel towards these objects. Spreading the good word of science and exploration as it were. 

Transforming the viewer both physically and emotionally. Taking them from the unknown to a place of familiarity whilst reflecting with a new found respect and understanding of where they have been and where they are, what they have seen and the impact it has had both in the past and now.

Nine years in the making. The collection of ultra-high definition, original images are being shown all together for the first time in this collection. 

The result is a collection of epic, finely-detailed images allowing the objects to tell their own story. 

Photographed using technical cameras with digital backs, with some images made up from over 60 exposures to capture incredible detail. They are then painstakingly re-touched, seen in a clean open white space, allowing us to view the objects without coercion, influence or distraction, free to connect with them on an emotional and spiritual level.

One man’s reverence to science, NASA and the achievements of human kind. This is something to believe in.

Redgrove’s encounter with Atlantis, the last shuttle to fly, left him feeling the full power of these objects. “My very first memory is watching the moon landings on television in black and white. I also loved space exploration in all forms - be that science fiction films of the 70s and onwards or watching the launch of the first shuttle mission in 1981 - I developed an obsession with space and a reverence to NASA. The sensations I felt when I first saw Space Shuttle Atlantis in person were so powerful I can only compare it to what I feel others describe as a religious experience...”

*****

“Benedict’s NASA images are some of the most awe inspiring, finely produced images I’ve had the pleasure of working with. The file quality, the lighting and attention to detail is second to none. You can feel his deep passion for NASA and Space come through in every shot - a true labour of love.”

Andrew Diprose
Creative Director WIRED (UK)

*****

“The culmination of nine years documenting the many aspects of the US space programme, Benedict Redgrove’s NASA project is shot in his distinctive style, with an almost scientific rigour that befits the subject matter. This body of work gives a fascinating insight into Man’s quest for the stars that will appeal to both space enthusiasts and a wider audience beyond.”

Andy Greenacre
The Telegraph

*****

“This unique and stunning collection of images beautifully produced by Benedict is an excellent and insightful look at a fascinating subject.”

Henny Manley
Esquire Magazine

*****

“Space, the Final Frontier...Benedict’s NASA images will inspire you to believe that humanity is truly capable of anything. NASA - Past and present dreams of the future” with it’s beautifully crafted photograph, you can see the photographers deep respect and love for Space exploration in every image.”

Thomas Payne
D.O.P
Popular Science (USA)