INTRODUCTION
Our blue planet, spinning like a jewel in our solar system, has been perceptually defined by the technology of each era, from believing the Earth was flat, to the scientific understanding that it spins on its axis and has gravitational pull, to being part of just one of many solar systems. In terms of scale, humans are too small to viscerally comprehend our planet’s magnitude and the dynamics of its interconnected physical systems. We therefore break the concepts down into smaller parts, collect data and physical specimens of all kinds, and invent instruments to measure and track physical phenomena like earthquakes, tornados, and hurricanes. However, we still cannot grasp the “big picture” of planet Earth unless we read, look at photos, and finally… use our imagination to construct it!

For Digital’2010, ASCI invites artists and scientists to submit digital prints that reflect their perceptions of our planet. Are these perceptions changing as we learn more about Earth from explorers, scientists, and artists? What is the relationship between all living things and planet Earth? What images are evoked by calling it the blue planet or the peaceful planet or the changing planet?  What is the human impact on the whole planet? What is our concern for its future?

Art co-juror, Maddy Rosenberg, is a printmaker, independent curator, and owner/director of Central Booking in DUMBO, Brooklyn, NY. Opened in 2009, one of her two gallery spaces and its programming is devoted to shows of science-inspired artwork.

Science co-juror, Patrick Hamilton, is the Science Museum of Minnesota’s Director, Environmental Sciences and Earth-System Science. He is currently heading-up the Future Earth Initiative, an NSF-supported set of exhibits and programs that explores the implications of human impact on the Earth.