The project Earth, A Cosmic Spectacle explores deep time, contrasting Earth’s slow evolution with the rapid changes of the Anthropocene. Gathering reflections from astronomers, biologists, geologists, and high school students, artist Louise Beer uses photography, sound and discussion to connect audiences emotionally to Earth’s history and climate crisis. 

Louise works closely with scientists to explore how understanding the universe’s 13.8-billion-year history can deepen our awareness of the cosmic significance  of the climate crisis. Through digitally manipulating photography, she combines images of Earth and space to juxtapose the long, slow development of life, the fleeting nature of a lifetime, and the accelerating pace of the climate crisis. Accompanied by a soundscape of birdsong and cosmic recordings, Louise places Earth’s natural sounds from the local environment within a universal framework.

At the heart of Louise’s work is engaging with the public to make complex scientific and environmental ideas accessible, and to show their relevance to our lives. She works to invite the viewers of her work to experience a care connection to the environment, helping audiences feel deeply linked to the universe, and Earth’s deep-time history and future, through science and art.