Exhibition open Wednesday-Saturday, 1-4pm
Please note, the gallery will be closed from Wednesday 24 December 2025 and will reopen on Wednesday 7 January 2026
The project Earth, A Cosmic Spectacle explores deep time, contrasting Earth’s slow evolution with the rapid changes of the Anthropocene. Gathering reflections from astronomers, biologists, geologists, and high school students, artist Louise Beer uses photography, sound and discussion to connect audiences emotionally to Earth’s history and climate crisis.
Louise works closely with scientists to explore how understanding the universe’s 13.8-billion-year history can deepen our awareness of the cosmic significance of the climate crisis. Through digitally manipulating photography, she combines images of Earth and space to juxtapose the long, slow development of life, the fleeting nature of a lifetime, and the accelerating pace of the climate crisis. Accompanied by a soundscape of birdsong and cosmic recordings, Louise places Earth’s natural sounds from the local environment within a universal framework.
At the heart of Louise’s work is engaging with the public to make complex scientific and environmental ideas accessible, and to show their relevance to our lives. She works to invite the viewers of her work to experience a care connection to the environment, helping audiences feel deeply linked to the universe, and Earth’s deep-time history and future, through science and art.
About the Artist
Louise lived in Aotearoa New Zealand until 2002 before moving to the UK, where she now works between London, Margate and Aotearoa New Zealand. Louise uses installation, moving image, photography, audience participation works and sound to explore humanity's evolving understanding of Earth’s environments and the cosmos.
Louise is currently artist in residence at the Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge, developing the wider project Earth, A Cosmic Spectacle with Dr. Matthew Bothwell. This builds on the first iteration in 2023-4, funded by a British Council grant, where she worked with Dr Ian Griffin at Tūhura Otago Museum, Aotearoa New Zealand. The exhibition in The Everybody Gallery merges both iterations, as well as incorporating new elements from Halifax and the surrounding area.
Get Involved
Celebrate the exhibition at the opening event on Saturday 6 December 2025 (free and open to all).
Learn more about art and science during our online panel discussion on Tuesday 27 January 2026, including a range of artists and scientists.
Take part in our free postcard activity by picking one up from the gallery.
Be inspired by taking part in a workshop run by Louise Beer and John Hooper on Saturday 7 March 2026.
Create your own work during one of our workshops run by specialist artist educators.
Inspire your students or community group by booking a specialist workshop or self-led group visit.
This exhibition has been made possible with funding gratefully received from Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council’s Culture Grants.