The Vastness is Bearable

In his book, Contact (1985), noted astronomer and science writer, Carl Sagan wrote, “She had studied the universe all her life, but had overlooked its clearest message: For small creatures such as we the vastness is bearable only through love.” Inspired by this quote and the themes of the book—contact between humanity and a more technologically advanced, extraterrestrial life form—the third annual exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara’s satellite location at Hotel Indigo Santa Barbara features artists who contemplate the vastness of the cosmos. Whereas last year’s exhibition looked to the mysteries of the sea, this year’s presentation gazes up, featuring artists whose works reflect human fascination, curiosity, and awe with the universe.