Exhibited in Art Among the Stars 2025
The Harbinger
2025
digital painting, 2048 x 2048 px
print, 13 x 13 inches
I aimed to draw a connection between the cosmological process of reionization and my own internal process of self-discovery: how the violent and dynamic nature of the processes sets the stage for change, clarity, and growth. During the Epoch of Reionization, the Universe wasn’t fully transparent, but galaxies and stars that emit significant radiation ionized the neutral molecular hydrogen in the immediate vicinity around them, creating “bubbles” in which light could freely travel. These ionized bubbles grew in size as the radiation continued to ionize molecular hydrogen. Eventually the bubbles overlap and the Universe
becomes transparent as we see in our current epoch.
becomes transparent as we see in our current epoch.
Much like the Universe becoming transparent through reionization, my self-realization happened through intense and cathartic internal processes. The radiation source in the focal point was replaced by an ambiguous humanoid form to depict my own perception of myself. Dry brush strokes and perspective blur were used to show the outward propagation of energy. Contrast in brightness and hue highlights the blurry boundaries, symbolizing the continuous nature of transitional processes.
Danbi Kim
Astronomy and Physics Departments, 4th year undergraduate
For the first 20 years of my life, I didn’t have any direction. I dropped out of high school twice and got caught up in many self-destructive behaviors. Even after moving between countries, I couldn’t find where I fit. The only thing that made sense to me was art. It was the only way I could communicate with the world.
About 5 years ago, while finishing high school at a community college, I came across something else that clicked: astronomy. I'd found my direction.
Art and astronomy means hope to me. I'd like to pass that on.
