An Art for Artemis entry from Spain to continue this week’s highlight of contributions from the same country that hosts ESA’s European Space Astronomy Centre. Belén Cortés Rodríguez answered our questions below and included a bonus poem!

Credits: Belén Cortés Rodríguez

What school are you studying at and what degree?

I studied Fine Arts in the Complutense University of Madrid from 2016 to 2021. Right now I am on a gap year, and next year I am going to start a Master’s degree in Visual Arts and Multimedia at the Polytechnic University of Valencia.

Tell us about the technique used to make your Art for Artemis piece

The technique I used to make my piece was photomontage. I took a photo of some elements I found interesting in the texture and colour of a sculpture I made a few years ago, and then I altered it digitally.

What inspired you to make the artwork and who are your inspirations in general?

I am inspired by the process of creating; at first it feels overwhelming because it is always a challenge to make a new piece. But it is extremely interesting for me to slowly see how every part of an artwork starts solving like a puzzle. I found my piece very intimate and nostalgic.

I am mainly inspired by contemporary artists such as Pipilotti Rist and Joan Jonas, and also by José Val del Omar, a spanish artist, filmmaker and inventor from the XXth century.

Do you have any thoughts to share about the Moon and human spaceflight?

As humans we have always seen the Moon as something mysterious, we have dreamed of reaching it, becoming part of its captivating aura. I see human spaceflight as an opportunity of discovering not only outer space, but our inner selves.

Anything else you would like to add…

Finally, I would love to share with you a poem I wrote that goes along with my visual art piece. This piece turns our gaze to colour and light, perceived by humanity as an essential part of our planet and our understanding of it.

Feathers and jewels in motion,

make this still life a vibrant remembrance

of the Earth.

Willing to go across space and time,

a gift that falls

from other skies.