Harriet Bart, “Crescendo/Diminuendo”

Artist Statement

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

Minnesota, USA
www.HarrietBart.com

Crescendo/Diminuendo
2026

Letterpress printed with silver ink on black Rives BFK 250GSM paper. Each copy of the book holds 3 unique works by the artist; first, a sheet of painted Japanese Non-woven Silver Sheen, second, a sheet of painted and foil stamped Lama Li Lokta, and third, a painted galaxy spiral.

10 1/8" x 10 1/8" x 7/8"

See More 2026 MCBA Prize Entries

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