-Solar Flares & Salazar-An Art/Science Collaboration (video)

And an e-pub: Helios Weeps: Our Cosmic Journey on “Spaceship Earth”

“Solar Flares & Salazar” is an Art/Science project that plans a video by Mr. Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Emera Astronomy Center University of Maine, Orono; with surround sound compositions by Duane Shimmel, featuring narration by Eleanor Kipping; and script by Dr. John Ripton, in collaboration with artist Roland Salazar Rose.

The video production “Solar Flares & Salazar” is based on Salazar’s series of eleven “Solar Flare” paintings. The collaborative art/science event at Emera Astronomy Center is planned as a ‘full-dome’ production with five public evening programs in November 2018. The video will be available for schools and science venues.

In July 2018, The Maine Arts Commission awarded Salazar a media project grant for the production and publication of an e-pub (possible title): Helios Weeps: Our Cosmic Journey on “Spaceship Earth” which will include links to the video “Solar Flares & Salazar” produced at Emera Astronomy Center, and display images of solar events of importance provided by the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) NASA.

Roland Salazar said: “The project goal is to call additional attention to the existential threat now posed to our environment, and the critical need for us to become responsible stewards on Mother Earth.” The e-pub will be produced after the November show at Emera Planetarium, with e-publishing consultation by Custom Communications.

Salazar returned to Maine in 2012 from an extended painting residency in Mexico. He is a member of the Mexican SOMAAP, and a member of the Ogunquit Art Association, Barn Gallery; also a member of the Union of Maine Visual Arts and shows at the UMVA Gallery at the Portland Media Center. He recently exhibited in the group show “America Now” at the Lewis Gallery, Portland Library. A solo show of his Mexican paintings is scheduled for opening at Aura Galerias in Mexico City in October.