You're invited to watch the two videos based on both the Original and Starry Night versions of ORGANIVERSE on our Vimeo page.
2010/09/05
ORGANIVERSE by Henri van Bentum "Starry Night" edition - sphere # 26 out of a series of #100 spheres
ORGANIVERSE - this is just one sphere in the series of one hundred, Starry Night edition. Pointillism, 8 1/2 cm. in diameter (3.3"). To watch a video of the Original (and Starry Night) set, come and visit our Vimeo page.
Explore the new ORGANIVERSE ROTATION Handset, available for purchase, with holder made from recovered Westcoast wood including Garry Oak. A project in collaboration with Brian W. Johnson. For contact information please visit my website, and click on "Biography".
2010/08/20
COLORING SPACE - special feature at Chandra X-Ray Center, a collaboration with "Organiverse" by Henri van Bentum
A week ago I made my 81st orbit. Speaking of “orbit”, it was a gratifying experience to see on Wednesday the Chandra X-Ray Center (NASA)
launched a special feature on its website, a fusion of art and science called “COLORING SPACE” with work from my "Organiverse" Starry Night edition (original paintings are just 8 1/2 cm. in diameter (3.3"). Micro and macro cosmos.
What is Chandra? 'The Chandra X-Ray telescope is an orbiting observatory that reveals the most detailed x-ray view of the universe. Since its launch on July 23, 1999, the Chandra X-ray telescope has been NASA's flagship mission for X-ray astronomy, taking its place in the fleet of "Great Observatories."' You can also see lots of fascinating detail about Chandra on NASA's website page "Exploring the Invisible Universe" here.
The project is intended, as the people at Chandra say, “to provoke thought about how the two realms of color - in art and in space - intersect and diverge. This piece explores the similarities of how these different types of images are made, as well as discusses the ways in which they differ. We invite you to explore these images and what they represent both on their own and when presented as a comparison, or contrast, to another in a separate field.”
The original series of 100 Organiverse paintings (or “Helios” edition) was painted on watercolour paper - - - dot by dot, atom by atom. There are four spheres per folio, for a portfolio of 25 pages. This was done back in 1972, long before the Internet, or even fax machines. Since 1972 there has been a phenomenal evolution of electronic intelligence, of computers and software gadgets. Yet my original intent in creating Organiverse was for the viewer to view (on paper) one sphere at a time, quietly, for contemplation and meditation. This motivation has now been overtaken by technology.
Yet it's interesting, even three decades ago, there was foreshadowing of links, a harbinger between science and space, art and science, when filmmaker Julius Kohanyi was commissioned to create an experimental 35mm colour and sound film based on Organiverse. (Also, already in the early 1960's, long before the moon landing any any NASA images or Chandra , I gave lectures and one of these was called "THE INVISIBLE MADE VISIBLE" More about that in another post.)
When it came time to give the completed film a title, Kohanyi wanted to use only a symbol: the two circles at the top left corner of this picture: (if If it looks familiar, this is from the plaque installed aboard Pioneer 11 spacecraft in 1973).
However, he was told a symbol alone wouldn’t “work” for cataloguing the film, so Julius had to give it a name, and he chose “H-A” (for Hydrogen Atom, the first building block of the universe.)
Creation of the “Starry Night” edition - the Starry Night edition of Organiverse was born from curiosity. In the early 2000’s, I was collaborating with Hewlett Packard (HP) who graciously agreed to scan the complete original Organiverse series using their latest scanning technology. When all 100 scans were completed, I asked the HP expert, Allen Rothwell: “Can we create a negative from the positive?” And the rest is history, as they say. Recent developments - In the past two years, first with the recent International Year of Astronomy 2009 “From Earth to the Universe” exhibit which included both the Original and Starry Night editions of Organiverse on video, and now with this special feature created by the Chandra X-Ray Center, Organiverse has taken on a life of its own.
Although we keep a strict copyright on the work, in a way Organiverse is now "out of my hands” so-to-speak, and has orbited beyond my original intent, as said earlier: that is, for people to quietly, contemplate the spheres individually as an antidote to our multi-tasking and over-stressed times. It was the Starry Night edition of Organiverse that caught the eye of staff at Chandra. A very special thanks to Kimberly Arcand Kowal for all her work on the project.
We wish Organiverse and Chandra X-Ray Center a healthy and constructive orbit over the "Human Family", bringing - we hope - wonder and nourishment for the mind.
ORGANIVERSE HANDSET project - in keeping with its seemingly endless evolutions, yet another initiative was born. We thank Brian W. Johnson of Victoria, BC for his help in working with me on colour callibration of the scanned spheres, and also in developing the concept of having the images housed in a striking and innovative wood container made from recovered Westcoast wood.
Signing off for now, Happy Trails! Henri
launched a special feature on its website, a fusion of art and science called “COLORING SPACE” with work from my "Organiverse" Starry Night edition (original paintings are just 8 1/2 cm. in diameter (3.3"). Micro and macro cosmos.
What is Chandra? 'The Chandra X-Ray telescope is an orbiting observatory that reveals the most detailed x-ray view of the universe. Since its launch on July 23, 1999, the Chandra X-ray telescope has been NASA's flagship mission for X-ray astronomy, taking its place in the fleet of "Great Observatories."' You can also see lots of fascinating detail about Chandra on NASA's website page "Exploring the Invisible Universe" here.
COLORING SPACE juxtaposes images from NASA-operated satellites taken between 1998 and 2008 with a selection of pointillist spheres from my ORGANIVERSE Starry Night edition.
The project is intended, as the people at Chandra say, “to provoke thought about how the two realms of color - in art and in space - intersect and diverge. This piece explores the similarities of how these different types of images are made, as well as discusses the ways in which they differ. We invite you to explore these images and what they represent both on their own and when presented as a comparison, or contrast, to another in a separate field.”
Organiverse - Original set created in 1972
The original series of 100 Organiverse paintings (or “Helios” edition) was painted on watercolour paper - - - dot by dot, atom by atom. There are four spheres per folio, for a portfolio of 25 pages. This was done back in 1972, long before the Internet, or even fax machines. Since 1972 there has been a phenomenal evolution of electronic intelligence, of computers and software gadgets. Yet my original intent in creating Organiverse was for the viewer to view (on paper) one sphere at a time, quietly, for contemplation and meditation. This motivation has now been overtaken by technology.
Yet it's interesting, even three decades ago, there was foreshadowing of links, a harbinger between science and space, art and science, when filmmaker Julius Kohanyi was commissioned to create an experimental 35mm colour and sound film based on Organiverse. (Also, already in the early 1960's, long before the moon landing any any NASA images or Chandra , I gave lectures and one of these was called "THE INVISIBLE MADE VISIBLE" More about that in another post.)
When it came time to give the completed film a title, Kohanyi wanted to use only a symbol: the two circles at the top left corner of this picture: (if If it looks familiar, this is from the plaque installed aboard Pioneer 11 spacecraft in 1973).
Creation of the “Starry Night” edition - the Starry Night edition of Organiverse was born from curiosity. In the early 2000’s, I was collaborating with Hewlett Packard (HP) who graciously agreed to scan the complete original Organiverse series using their latest scanning technology. When all 100 scans were completed, I asked the HP expert, Allen Rothwell: “Can we create a negative from the positive?” And the rest is history, as they say. Recent developments - In the past two years, first with the recent International Year of Astronomy 2009 “From Earth to the Universe” exhibit which included both the Original and Starry Night editions of Organiverse on video, and now with this special feature created by the Chandra X-Ray Center, Organiverse has taken on a life of its own.
Speical note re: "From Earth to the Universe" FETTU - I would like to thank the volunteers of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada VICTORIA Centre who made possible last year's FETTU exhibit, and a special thank you to Garry Sedun and Joe Carr.
Although we keep a strict copyright on the work, in a way Organiverse is now "out of my hands” so-to-speak, and has orbited beyond my original intent, as said earlier: that is, for people to quietly, contemplate the spheres individually as an antidote to our multi-tasking and over-stressed times. It was the Starry Night edition of Organiverse that caught the eye of staff at Chandra. A very special thanks to Kimberly Arcand Kowal for all her work on the project.
We wish Organiverse and Chandra X-Ray Center a healthy and constructive orbit over the "Human Family", bringing - we hope - wonder and nourishment for the mind.
ORGANIVERSE HANDSET project - in keeping with its seemingly endless evolutions, yet another initiative was born. We thank Brian W. Johnson of Victoria, BC for his help in working with me on colour callibration of the scanned spheres, and also in developing the concept of having the images housed in a striking and innovative wood container made from recovered Westcoast wood.
These handsets are available and we invite you to read more about these unique sets here.
Signing off for now, Happy Trails! Henri
2010/08/11
Monsoon and beyond
Once while in India, we experienced the Monsoon season. Remember it well.
After a scorching hot and ‘blood-thinning’ month, the dark clouds and Monsoon rains came upon us. This refreshing relief prompted us to rush outside, hold up our arms, dance and be merry with the villagers. Something like Gene Kelly, “Singing in the Rain”.
What an enormous contrast to Pakistan with the current calamity and untold human suffering. Some 14 million people are made homeless. A staggering number. Mother Nature seems to be calling us to order. Behave, or else!
The Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster caused much damage. Many who lost their livelihood brought their pets to their local humane society because they couldn’t feed them any longer. This prompted citizens from all over the USA to adopt the ‘orphans’. Some even let the animals fly First Class! We humans are a strange breed. We go to war, and kill and even get medals of honour to do so. On the other hand when called upon, we’re ready to come to the rescue. Only this week, 45 Chihuahuas were dropped off in our community by one woman (!) at the local SPCA. (Not sure why she had 45 Chihuahuas but that's another story.) Within 48 hours, thirty-three of these long-eared canines available for adoption had found new homes.
After a scorching hot and ‘blood-thinning’ month, the dark clouds and Monsoon rains came upon us. This refreshing relief prompted us to rush outside, hold up our arms, dance and be merry with the villagers. Something like Gene Kelly, “Singing in the Rain”.
What an enormous contrast to Pakistan with the current calamity and untold human suffering. Some 14 million people are made homeless. A staggering number. Mother Nature seems to be calling us to order. Behave, or else!
The Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster caused much damage. Many who lost their livelihood brought their pets to their local humane society because they couldn’t feed them any longer. This prompted citizens from all over the USA to adopt the ‘orphans’. Some even let the animals fly First Class! We humans are a strange breed. We go to war, and kill and even get medals of honour to do so. On the other hand when called upon, we’re ready to come to the rescue. Only this week, 45 Chihuahuas were dropped off in our community by one woman (!) at the local SPCA. (Not sure why she had 45 Chihuahuas but that's another story.) Within 48 hours, thirty-three of these long-eared canines available for adoption had found new homes.
2010/08/03
Paul the Octopus - yet more developments
More news about our amazing octopus, Paul the Oracle. Another agent has now joined the gravy train for endorsements. This one resides in England and tells us children’s books are being written.
That’s what I predicted a couple of months ago, I was "right on the money", except I won’t get any royalties. (ho-ho)/ Also I predicted awhile ago for the coming Christmas season that toys would be manufactured about this oracle from the deep. Now we discovered there is a record deal in the works, "Paul the Octopus Sings Elvis". What Elvis the Pelvis has to do with it, I’m not quite sure. Maybe because Paul’s 8 arms are flexible and can move in all directions. Just like Elvis moved all over the place, “all shook up”. Stay tuned for more on Paul, the amazing 8-armed clairvoyant.
That’s what I predicted a couple of months ago, I was "right on the money", except I won’t get any royalties. (ho-ho)/ Also I predicted awhile ago for the coming Christmas season that toys would be manufactured about this oracle from the deep. Now we discovered there is a record deal in the works, "Paul the Octopus Sings Elvis". What Elvis the Pelvis has to do with it, I’m not quite sure. Maybe because Paul’s 8 arms are flexible and can move in all directions. Just like Elvis moved all over the place, “all shook up”. Stay tuned for more on Paul, the amazing 8-armed clairvoyant.
2010/08/01
New developments about Oracle Paul the Octopus - protecting the Turtles in Greece
Have been silent for awhile. With all those worldwide communication-gadgets on the market and in homes, telling us about all the “hot news” that’s out there, tomorrow’s happenings are already news today!
One thing’s for sure, however - every day we are getting a bit closer to the Pearly Gates, so make the best of it. A news item that’s still unfolding by the day has kept my attention: in previous posts I predicted (long before he became a news item), that the renown would spread of Paul the 8-armed Amazing Psychic Octopus of World Cup (and Bundesliga) prediction fame.
Although Paul has now retired from predicting, he has begun to spread his fame and eight arms commercially worldwide: like the celebrity he is, Paul now has an agent!
Already hundreds of endorsement offers have come in, expecting to bring forth millions of Euros and Dollars.
Saving Turtlles in Greece - but Paul has not forgotten his fellow deep sea dwellers. One of his arms is intended to protect endangered TURTLES in Greece. Funds will be set aside for this good cause. Here is one link to learn more about turtle protection in Greece.
Don’t ask me how I predicted Paul’s future fame, months before it happened. The facts are there. Stay tuned for further multi-armed spreading news about Paul the amazing psychic wonder of the Deep. That’s All Folks! Henri
One thing’s for sure, however - every day we are getting a bit closer to the Pearly Gates, so make the best of it. A news item that’s still unfolding by the day has kept my attention: in previous posts I predicted (long before he became a news item), that the renown would spread of Paul the 8-armed Amazing Psychic Octopus of World Cup (and Bundesliga) prediction fame.
Although Paul has now retired from predicting, he has begun to spread his fame and eight arms commercially worldwide: like the celebrity he is, Paul now has an agent!
Already hundreds of endorsement offers have come in, expecting to bring forth millions of Euros and Dollars.
Here he is selecting a box with the name of a Germany supermarket chain, Rewe:
Saving Turtlles in Greece - but Paul has not forgotten his fellow deep sea dwellers. One of his arms is intended to protect endangered TURTLES in Greece. Funds will be set aside for this good cause. Here is one link to learn more about turtle protection in Greece.
Don’t ask me how I predicted Paul’s future fame, months before it happened. The facts are there. Stay tuned for further multi-armed spreading news about Paul the amazing psychic wonder of the Deep. That’s All Folks! Henri
2010/07/29
news about Paul the Octopus - transfer bid has been rejected by Germans
See our earlier blog posts about Paul and his amazing predictions, Meanwhile here's the story, from THE ASSOCIATED PRESS:
"BERLIN -- Octopus oracle Paul's prescience wasn't needed to predict how this one would turn out: His aquarium in Germany has given a resounding "nein" to a bid to move the celebrity mollusk to Spain.
(note from Henri: here's Paul making his selection for the Argentina vs. Germany match)
Paul rose from obscurity in Oberhausen's Sea Life aquarium during the World Cup to international celebrity as he correctly called the outcome of Germany's seven matches in the month-long tournament, time and again picking a mussel from a tank marked with the flag of the would-be winner.
He also correctly predicted Spain would beat Germany in the semifinals -- prompting many in his home country to speculate how he would taste grilled in garlic butter.
Already a celebrity in Spain after the semifinal prediction -- Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero offered to send a security team to protect the 2 1/2-year-old floppy octopus from the hungry Germans -- the country went wild for him after he correctly tipped Spain over the Netherlands in the finals.
Paul is now so popular in Spain that a northwestern Spanish town tried to borrow him. Officials in O Caraballino, population 14,000, declared that the octopus is their "honorary friend" and wanted Paul's presence to promote a seafood festival, the Faro de Vigo newspaper said.
A businessman from the town also offered 30,000 euros (C$40,740) to buy Paul, but the newspaper said Sea Life declined.
In response to hundreds of requests to bring Paul to Spain, the Madrid Zoo this week asked Sea Life if it would be willing to make a deal to bring him in as a tribute to the Spanish soccer team's victory.
"They brought the World Cup, we bring Paul," zoo spokeswoman Amparo Fernandez told The Associated Press. "He's a symbol of this championship."
She said the zoo had asked for Paul to come on either a temporary or permanent basis, and had proposed an exchange of animals. She said no financial offer had been made, but that it would be considered if necessary.
But Sea Life spokeswoman Kerstin Kuehn said there was no way it would happen.
"It's totally out of the question to sell Paul or lend him out," she said in an email. "Paul will enjoy his greatly deserved retirement in Sea Life in Oberhausen." "
"BERLIN -- Octopus oracle Paul's prescience wasn't needed to predict how this one would turn out: His aquarium in Germany has given a resounding "nein" to a bid to move the celebrity mollusk to Spain.
Paul rose from obscurity in Oberhausen's Sea Life aquarium during the World Cup to international celebrity as he correctly called the outcome of Germany's seven matches in the month-long tournament, time and again picking a mussel from a tank marked with the flag of the would-be winner.
He also correctly predicted Spain would beat Germany in the semifinals -- prompting many in his home country to speculate how he would taste grilled in garlic butter.
Already a celebrity in Spain after the semifinal prediction -- Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero offered to send a security team to protect the 2 1/2-year-old floppy octopus from the hungry Germans -- the country went wild for him after he correctly tipped Spain over the Netherlands in the finals.
Paul is now so popular in Spain that a northwestern Spanish town tried to borrow him. Officials in O Caraballino, population 14,000, declared that the octopus is their "honorary friend" and wanted Paul's presence to promote a seafood festival, the Faro de Vigo newspaper said.
A businessman from the town also offered 30,000 euros (C$40,740) to buy Paul, but the newspaper said Sea Life declined.
In response to hundreds of requests to bring Paul to Spain, the Madrid Zoo this week asked Sea Life if it would be willing to make a deal to bring him in as a tribute to the Spanish soccer team's victory.
"They brought the World Cup, we bring Paul," zoo spokeswoman Amparo Fernandez told The Associated Press. "He's a symbol of this championship."
She said the zoo had asked for Paul to come on either a temporary or permanent basis, and had proposed an exchange of animals. She said no financial offer had been made, but that it would be considered if necessary.
But Sea Life spokeswoman Kerstin Kuehn said there was no way it would happen.
"It's totally out of the question to sell Paul or lend him out," she said in an email. "Paul will enjoy his greatly deserved retirement in Sea Life in Oberhausen." "
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