Nicholas Glenn 312-542-2424 nglenn@adlerplanetarium.org WORLDS OF CHESLEY BONESTELL TRANSPORTS ADLER PLANETARIUM VISTORS TO A STUNNING VISION OF THE FUTURE Exhibition Highlights Artist that Wowed the World with Breathtaking Space Art CHICAGO (October, 2014) The "Father of Modern Space Art," American painter, designer and illustrator, Chesley Bonestell, will transport visitors into the future on November 22, 2014, only at the Adler Planetarium. Worlds of Chesley Bonestell explores how, through popular culture, Bonestell inspired generations of science fiction fans, astronomers and astronauts. "This exhibition showcases an artist that expanded the bounds for the understanding and enthusiasm of human space exploration,” said Michelle B. Larson, Ph.D., Adler Planetarium president and CEO. “Bonestell's artwork inspired generations to explore the Solar System. Many scientists, filmmakers, and everyday citizens were inspired by some of the same pieces that are featured in this exhibition.” Bonestell painted a stunning vision of the future by combining an intimate knowledge of science with unique artistic talent. With remarkable detail, Bonestell depicted the space shuttle, space station, and details of our Solar System long before they were actually realized. Bonestell also created artwork for many iconic films including Destination Moon (1950), War of the Worlds (1953) and Conquest of Space (1955). Worlds of Chesley Bonestell features eleven paintings as well as numerous examples of the artist's work in popular culture including film, magazines and books. Highlights of the exhibition's artwork include: Saturn seen from Titan Chesley Bonestell’s first published example of space art was a series of paintings depicting Saturn as it would appear from several of its moons. These appeared in the May 29, 1944, issue of Life magazine. (Adler Collection, CB-13) Mars seen from Phobos – The Inner Satellite Much of Bonestell’s work was a part of a targeted campaign to convince the American public that space exploration was both possible and worth pursuing including this 1972 depiction of Mars’ innermost moon Phobos. (Adler Collection, CB-5) Orbital Rocket Airplane – Nova Zembla Bonestell collaborated with great scientific minds including famed aerospace engineer Werner von Braun. Bonestell’s spectacular illustrations depicted winged space shuttles and other designs by von Braun and other scientists. In 1972, Bonestell painted this accurate depiction of the space shuttle before it was completed, but after NASA engineers had begun planning. (Adler Collection, CB-8) In the early 1900s, Bonestell studied architecture at Columbia University then dropped out to work on such landmarks as the Chrysler Building in New York City, the Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C. and the Golden Gate Bridge in his hometown of San Francisco. In 1938, he began to work in Hollywood, and soon made a reputation for himself in the motion picture industry as a matte artist. Bonestell quickly became known for his realistic portrayals of space exploration, the Solar System, and galaxies. In 1949, Bonestell co-produced the classic book Conquest of Space, which featured 48 of his paintings and a text by world-renowned writer Willy Ley. The publication dazzled millions of readers across the globe. In 1961, he wrote and illustrated two books, The Solar System and Rocket to the Moon. In 1972, Bonestell created 25 illustrations for the book Beyond Jupiter, which he published in collaboration with Arthur C. Clarke, who was also greatly influenced by Bonestell's early astronomical paintings. Known to many as the "Father of Science Fiction Art," Bonestell received many awards during his lustrous career, including the International Fantasy Award (1951), the Science Fiction Achievement Special Award (1974) and a lifetime achievement award from the British Interplanetary Society (1976). The annual Chesley Award presented by the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists since 1986, recognizes individual works and achievements in that field. A crater on Mars and asteroid 3129 Bonestell are also named in his honor. Chesley Bonestell died at his home in Carmel, California on June 11, 1986, at the age of 98. About the Adler Planetarium The Adler Planetarium—America’s First Planetarium—was founded in 1930 by Chicago business leader Max Adler. A recognized leader in public learning, the Adler Planetarium inspires young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math. Scientists, historians and educators at the museum inspire the next generation of explorers. ###
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