Interstellar Vitruvian Dance is a 9 by 12-inch gouache painting on black multimedia paper that explores the dialogue between human form and the vast cosmos. At its core, the artwork depicts a swirling spiral galaxy that sets a cosmic stage, colored in deep blues, blacks, and grays. A fiery sun-like orb takes center position, casting warmth and energy over the scene, while several planets—one unmistakably Earth—rotate in orbital paths that invite viewers to consider both the immensity of space and our place within it.

Distinctive to this piece are two illuminated panels embedded diagonally across the composition. Each contains a black silhouette of a human figure poised with arms and legs extended, recalling Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man. These figures are framed by beams of light that intersect, creating a visual bridge that emphasizes human connection and presence amid the boundless universe. The subtle yet deliberate use of warm yellows, oranges, and reds punctuates the cooler palette, reinforcing movement and vitality within the composition.

The genesis of Interstellar Vitruvian Dance came from an open call by the Denison Arts Council for their Altered Realities exhibition, a show inviting artists to interpret themes of technology and transformation broadly. With this freedom, I sought to integrate timeless human ideals—represented by the Vitruvian figure—with a futuristic and cosmic environment. This synthesis aims to question how we, as humans, position ourselves within evolving technological and spatial frontiers.

If selected, this painting will be available through Denison Arts Council 517 Gallery.

Creating this piece involved a process that intentionally combined references to classical human proportion with dynamic cosmic imagery. Using gouache on black multimedia paper allowed for vivid contrasts and depth, highlighting both the glowing elements of the galaxy and the sharp outlines of the human silhouettes. The diagonal crossing of light beams was a conscious compositional choice to convey interaction and energy flow, underscoring themes of connectivity that extend beyond physical space.

Interstellar Vitruvian Dance stands apart in my recent body of work by merging figure and abstraction through a lens of cosmic scale and technological metaphor. It invites contemplation of our relationship to space, science, and the enduring influence of human form within vast, often intangible realms. The painting encourages viewers to reflect on balance—between tradition and innovation, presence and infinity, individual and universe—and to find resonance in the interplay of those forces.