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Motions of Mars

Motions of Mars, neon, neon transformer, 80×20 cm, 2022/23, photos: Kunstraum Memphis/​Jakob Dietrich

The series Motions of Mars refers to the phenomenon of the so-called apparent retrograde motion – a seemingly backward movement of Mars, measured against the fixed stars. This illusional retrograde motion occurs when the Earth overtakes one of the outer planets on its inner orbit.
In Motions of Mars, various retrograde movements of the planet Mars, observed over recent years, are transformed into neon sculptures. These sculptures not only trace the planet’s visible paths but also challenge the assumption that what we observe always reflects reality. The work highlights how certain astronomical phenomena are influenced by our perspective, questioning the role of the angle of view in shaping our understanding of the cosmos.