Space Park Leicester celebrates World Space Week with exclusive art exhibition by Matt Turner
In celebration of World Space Week (4-10 October), Space Park Leicester is thrilled to announce a special exhibition of work by renowned Leicester space artist Matt Turner.
The exhibition, which features a selection of Matt’s visionary space-themed artworks, will open with an exclusive evening event on Tuesday, October 8. Starting at 4pm until 6.30pm visitors are invited to explore the exhibition, take part in creative space art activities, and hear from Matt himself.
The evening promises to be a unique opportunity for space enthusiasts, art lovers, and the general public to immerse themselves in the intersection of art and space technology. Matt will discuss his approach to visualising the future of space exploration through his art, sharing insights into his innovative concepts, including his award-winning design for a Martian Vacuum Airship.
Drawing inspiration from his experiences, Matt will encourage visitors to create their own still-life drawings, using iconic Space Park Leicester exhibits such as the MIRI Model, Envisat, MeteoSat, Gaia, and "For Harmony and Wonder" as reference points.
Matthew Turner was one of nine global winners of NASA's prestigious 2024 Space Tech Art Challenge: Imagine Tomorrow, standing out from over 480 entries across 39 countries. His design for a Martian surface exploration vehicle was celebrated for its creativity and technical feasibility, reflecting NASA’s vision for advanced, forward-looking space technologies. His work has been recognised globally, as he continues to collaborate with NASA and the International Association of Astronomical Artists.
Visitors to Space Park Leicester, the University of Leicester’s £100 million science and innovation park, will have the unique opportunity to view as many as 10 of Matt’s captivating space-themed paintings, which will be on display until Christmas. His artwork draws inspiration from both historic and cutting-edge space technologies, offering striking visualisations of past achievements and future innovations in aerospace.
Matt’s work has been showcased around the world, and he has collaborated with NASA and notable figures in the space community. During a recent trip to NASA as a guest of their prestigious art program, he was invited to visit the Kennedy and Johnson Space Centers, where he gained unprecedented access to iconic locations like the ISS Mission Control and the Saturn V building.
Matt also gained insight from Nasa’s fine art collection, which has further influenced his work. The exhibition will remain open to attendees of other events at Space Park Leicester throughout the rest of the year.
During the open evening, attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in space-themed art activities and engage with exhibits that highlight the role of art in imagining the future of space exploration.
The relaxed, self-led workshop will allow participants to explore their creativity, with Matt available to offer guidance, demonstrate perspective techniques, and share artistic tips. Simple materials, such as paper and pencils, will be provided to keep the experience accessible and engaging for all, offering a hands-on opportunity to connect with the intersection of space and art.