Crescendo/Diminuendo Artist's Book by Harriet Bart

This piece is a semi-finalist for the 2026 MCBA Prize and on view in our gallery August 29 - November 29. "Crescendo/Diminuendo began with my long-held interest in Medieval alchemy as a study in transformation. From an astrophysicist I learned how collisions between supernovae and neutron stars created the gold within our Earth’s crust—a celestial process transforming basic matter into glittering gold. Conversation with a composer reminded me of the poetic link between the heavens and music: music of the spheres according to Pythagoras, and Kepler’s symphony of the stars. Working together in a layered collaboration, mathematical equations were paired with a musical score that trumpets transformation in the universe from the beginning, Big Bang and star formation, to end in entropy and heat death. Essential conversations with Aliza Grey Beverage (astrophysicist) and Nathan Beverage (composer) inspired a poetic exploration of cosmic alchemy that found its visual shape in this newest work." —Harriet Bart 10.125 x 10.125" x 0.875" *Consignment item. Not eligible for 10% membership discount. All consignment purchases are final and non-refundable once shipped.