_ VITALIS ECSTASIS
NASA JPL, VIKTORIA MODESTA
2024 //
_ ROLE
_ CREATIVE DIRECTION
_ DIGITAL ASSET CREATION & PHYGITAL MANUFACTURING
_ MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING
_ VIDEO CREATION
_ SYNPOSIS
VITALIS ECSTASIS, part of the PACIFIC SPACE TIME “Blended Worlds” Experiments In Interplanetary Imagination”, explores the fascinating intersections of art, science and extraplanetary life. Created with a team of aerospace experts, the sculpture has been on display throughout 2024 at The Brand Gallery LA.
_ FILM
_ CAPTURE
Inspired by the Europa Clipper Mission, NASA JPL’S first public art exhibition welcomes Vitalis Ecstasis - an exploration extraterrestrial life, genomic adaptation, bionic augmentation, exoplanetary gestation. A multitude of both digital and physical manufacturing processes came together to create the final autonomously actuating sculpture in utilization of unique NASA JPL artifacts previously unseen: Namely the STARSHADE, a large scale origami structure developed to shield robotic avatars from celestial radiation.
_ PROCESS
The expert team consisting of NASA engineers, prostheticists and artists, JPL generously supplied the project with never-before-seen experimental objects and mission artifacts to be incorporated into the artwork. The STARSHADE - previously in disarray - received a complete mechatronic rework, giving it new life through autonomous actuation.
After initial digital vision versioning (C4D+Redshift, Illustrator, After Effects, Photoshop), the process moved from virtual to real through both additive manufacturing and careful handcraft to create the sculptural effigy of Viktoria using an array of terrestrial materials for an exoplanet entity.
_ THE MAKING
Working tirelessly at The Brand, the team assembled both digital and physical assets into the VITALIS ECSTASIS sculpture. Alongside artists from both the internal NASA JPL science teams and those external, the final piece was unveiled to the public as part of the PACIFIC SPACE TIME event and ongoing exhibition.
_ IN B&W
_ BTS NARRATION / SAGE
Executive Producer _ DAN GOODS, JPL
Planetary Protection Engineer _ DR. MOOGEGA COOPER JPL
Robotics Engineer _ KALIND CARPENTER, JPL
Collaborating Artist _ VIKTORIA MODESTA
Creative Lead & Project Manager _ NINA HAWKINS, LILIUM LABS
Digital Creator & Mechatronics _ SAGE MOREI / HORIZON LAB
_ CREDITS
Art Handler & Technical Producer _ IAN CHRISTIE, Anchor Arts
Lead Fabricator & Prosthetist _ ALEX FREIRE
Creative Manufacturing Technologist _ NADER SHOKAIR
Assistant Producer _ NATE MOHL
Advisor _ PI/Director, Ocean Worlds Lab, KEVIN HAND, JPL