The Signal
- Beckett
- Dec 5, 2024
- 2 min read
Earlier this year, I had a chance to see The Signal by artist Dario Robleto. This was my first time seeing Mr. Robleto’s work, which combines several of my interests including art and science and space. Yes, it is a little redundant to say science and space, but I really like space. Unfortunately, the exhibition has closed at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. So, what is the good news? You can now see this exhibition at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.
Photo Dario Robleto, “Ancient Beacons Long for Notice (film still),” 2023–24, UHD video (71:00), courtesy of the artist, © Dario Robleto
For me the highlight of the exhibition is the feature film Ancient Beacons Long for Notice which explores the NASA Voyager mission, the relationship of Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan, the Golden Record and the Sounds of Earth that made the final cut. The film is a mesmerizing journey through the brilliant storytelling by Mr. Robleto of the Voyager expedition.
There are stories that I have never heard before such the inclusion of the sounds of Gas Shell Bombardment re-discovered by Ann Druyan at the National Archives in Washington DC. If you are like me and not familiar with this recording, it was recorded just before the end of World War I on October 9, 1918, along the Western Front near Lille, France. Sound engineer William Gaisberg recorded the sound of British artillery shelling German front lines with poison gas. Although Gaisberg was wearing a protective gas mask, he unfortunately inhaled some of the toxic gas that damaged his lungs. William Gaisberg passed away on November 5, 1918, never seeing the end of the war, which occurred six days later. This is just one of the many amazing stories presented over the course of the film’s 70 minutes.
For my ninth birthday, I received the 40th Anniversary Box Set of the Voyager Golden Record from my incredible friends. I have always treasured the Golden Record but have greater appreciation after seeing Ancient Beacons Long for Notice. I am planning to see the film again at SBMA and encourage you to see it too before it closes on May 25, 2025. Pssst – It’s a Signal. Ad Astra.
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