Hanmin Yun

TERRA & COSMOS

“TERRA & COSMOS” is a collaboration of the astronomical sublime and the serenity of the Earth, infused with an intention to revitalize self-reflection and humbleness. The series exhibits several photographs from over the years of travelling to different parts of the world, mainly Iceland in Europe and Yellowstone National Park in the United States. This exhibition is a personal homage to a photograph known to us as the “Pale Blue Dot”. On September 5, 1977, NASA launched Voyager 1, 16 days after its twin, Voyager 2, as part of the Voyager Program to study deep space. On February 14, 1990, as it was leaving our solar system, Voyager 1 sent an image later called the “Pale Blue Dot”, by Carl Sagan. Earth appears as a tiny dot in the vastness of space. Its small appearance emphasizes the fragility and uniqueness of our planet in the vastness of the cosmos. The photograph is a reminder of the interconnectedness of humanity and the need for environmental stewardship. For many years, it has become a symbol of Earth’s place in the cosmos and the importance of preserving our planet for future generations.But how much have we grown up, as a species, from the day the small probe sent us this photograph? We seem to have forgotten its message. We are indolent and guile creatures - we wish to sit when standing, lie down when sitting, sleep when lying down. With closed eyes, we easily become arrogant and prideful. The virtue of modesty needs to be restored. We must remind ourselves what we have ignored and forgotten by reflecting upon who we are. For that, we need to take a step backward and embrace sublimity and serenity. You have to be outside of where we are to see ourselves properly. Take a breath and truly observe, both up close and from afar, the land we stand on, the people around us, the distant mountains and seas, the clouds and stars above them, the sun that shines our day and the moon that reflects that light for our night. Only when we know how to reflect upon ourselves and seek the essence of these easily ignored matters, will we liberate ourselves from delusional attachment, arrogance and conflicts. Let “TERRA & COSMOS” serve well as our reminder to stay humble.