Witness is a wall-to-floor installation starring an ancient, luminous deep-sky entity called Messier 3 (M3), also known as NGC 5272. Stitched together by gravity, M3 is a primordial globular cluster composed of half a million stars, and one of many globular clusters populating the galactic halo of the Milky Way. M3 is estimated to be around 11.4 billion years old–almost the same age as the universe–and is believed to have formed during our galaxy’s infancy. Though faint and difficult to see from Earth, it is possible to locate with the naked eye (binoculars or a telescope will yield a much clearer view). If we can see M3, it’s not outlandish to entertain the notion of M3 being able to see us. M3 has seen everything since almost the beginning of time. If this star cluster could talk, it would have 11.4 billion years worth of stories to tell… Standing tall at 12.5 feet and repeat-printed on upcycled polyester interfacing, Witness is stitched together in a sequence inspired by a quilting block pattern called the courthouse steps. Many thanks to Debra Ceravolo for giving me permission to use her photograph of M3 for this piece.

Witness
dye sublimation on pieced polyester interfacing
1 x 12.5 feet
2024

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