Failing Forward
Fifty years ago – in the so-called space age – optimism about scientific progress seemed endless. But slowly the worlds of science and daily life grew apart. It is almost impossible for a layman to interpret scientific results and partly influenced by social media and increasing populism, we are more and more inclined to dismiss science as ‘an opinion’.
In ‘Failing Forward’, Marjolein Blom wonders how big the gap between science and society really is, especially given that during the pandemic scientific processes have received more attention than ever before. In her project Blom connects images of the small and big mysteries from the world around her with NASA’s archive photos. These images, made to clarify complex matter, exude a sense of control, but are at the same time enigmatic. ‘Failing Forward’ is about truth-finding and wonder, showing that the thought that humans will one day control this world is self-deception.
This project was made possible by the Mondrian Fund | archive images: © NASA Archive (1945-1970) | courtesy of Galerie Caroline O’Breen.