Celestial Beauty

PHOTOGRAPHY

May 15

Inspired by the Crab Nebula, a Supernova (star explosion) which took place in 1054 A.D., Claudine Blythman created a Beauty story, combining out-of-this-world eye make-up with original NASA imagery.

Beauty Editor Claudine Blythman  Photography Philip Blythman

NASA Image: Saturn, Cassini-Huygens Spacecraft taken on 3rd October 2018. Grand Finale: One of Cassini’s last dives (Illustration)
Products used: Byredo Mascara Astronomical, Nars Single Eyeshadow in Douro, Makeup Forever Aqua Resist Smoky Eyeshadow Stick 16 Reddish Copper, Pat McGrath Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner, By Terry Ombre Blackstar Eye Shadows in Black Pearl Shiseido, Kajal InkArtist in Kabuki White 10

celestial

/sɪˈlɛstɪəl/

adjective

– relating to the sky, visible heavens or outer space as observed in astronomy. It can also conjure up images of magic and spirituality; from stars and planetary constellations to mystical signs and symbols.

NASA image: The Cat’s Paw Nebula, Spitzer Space Telescope taken on 23rd October 2018. The Cats Paw inside the Milky Way.
Products used: MAC Eyeshadow What’s the WiFi, MAC Eyeshadow Electric Eel, Chanel Les 4 Ombres 384 Imaginaire, Yves Saint Laurent Sequin Crush Mono Glitter Shot Eyeshadow 8 Louder Blue, Perricone MD No Makeup Skincare Mascara

Claudine was excited to read about recent hopes that we could soon experience a supernova in our lifetime. Astronomers are observing the sky very closely at the moment, hoping to see the Milky Way light up.

While the last recorded Supernova was observed in February 1987, the most famous and most studied supernova dates back to 1054 A.D. and was witnessed by Chinese Astronomers with the naked eye – long before the first telescope had been invented. This specific moment in Space became the inspiration for our Beauty story.

We created looks for eye make-up and paired them with NASA imagery taken by the Hubble Space Telescope and Spitzer Space Telescope with illustrations from their Cassini Spacecraft and Juno Cam.

NASA image: Helix Nebula, Hubble Space Telescope taken on 2nd April 2014, Iridescent Glory of Nearby Helix Nebula
Products used: Urban Decay 24-7 Glide On Eyeliner in Chaos, Danessa Myricks Colorfix Eyeglaze in Clear, MAC Cosmetics Chromacake in Pure White, Huda Beauty Neon Obsessions Palette in Orange Obsessions, Shiseido Microliner Ink in Yellow 6, SHU Uemura Eyelash Curler

NASA image: Uranus, Hubble Space Telescope taken on 24th August 2000. Hubble Finds Many Bright Clouds on Uranus
Products used: Surratt Beauty Halogram Eye Shadow in Nebula , Shiseido POP PowderGel Eye Shadow in Waku Waku Pink 11, Shiseido POP PowderGel Eye Shadow in Zaa Zaa Navy 17, Nars Eyeshadow in Domination, Nars Eyeshadow in Sultan, Dior Diorshow Pump N Volume Mascara 090 Pink, Sephora Mascara Size Up in Ultra Black, Urban Decay 24-7 Glide On Eyeliner in Woodstock

supernova

/ˌsuːpəˈnəʊvə/

noun

– a star that suddenly increases greatly in brightness because of a catastrophic explosion that ejects most of its mass.

NASA image: Jupiter, Juno Cam taken on 25th February 2022. PJ40 South Equatorial Belt South Enhanced Details
Products used: Gucci Éclat De Beauté Effet Lumière, Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Minette, YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils 2 in Rich Brown, Tom Ford Cream Colour for Eyes in Spice

Credits

Beauty Editor: Claudine Blythman
Photographer: Philip Blythman
Video edit: Luke Glover
Model: Jade Warnes @ J'adore Models
NASA Image Gallery

Enjoyed this article?
Like ZERO.NINE on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram

‘Dreamland: Side of Sea’ is a captivating street photography series by Taras Bychko, showcasing the tranquil charm of English coastal towns in the quiet months before summer, from February to May 2023. Bychko's lens captures serene, almost dreamlike moments in various places like Brighton and Margate, inviting viewers to savour the peaceful solitude before the tourist rush. This reflective series beautifully contrasts everyday life with the timeless allure of the coast.

OF FIRE, FAR SHINING

Asheville-based artist J. A. Young combines their own personal photographs with public-domain archival imagery to explore their reaction to inward experiences. Inspired by a pivotal moment in 2020, the work reflects on existential questions and global crises. Through print manipulation and rephotography, the project creates a fluid, ever-evolving visual narrative that mirrors the artist's shifting perceptions and emotions.

New Moons

Photographer Ada Marino’s powerful series New Moons explores feminine resilience and rebirth against oppressive societal structures. Her work challenges patriarchal norms and advocates for a new, inclusive identity for women, addressing contemporary struggles with a vision of empowerment and transformation.

Souvenirs

Photographer Mike Spears created the zine Souvenirs, a series of irreverent photographic metaphors, romanticising desire, flesh, and comedy. His images reveal the unexpected beauty and humour woven into the fabric of life, inviting you to see the world through a lens that celebrates the quirky and profound.

400 km

Photographer Alberto Tandoi walked 400 km across London capturing fleeting moments with strangers, portraying the city as what would be his ideal city. Through hundreds of portraits, he reveals the beauty of self-expression and the unique stories of unconventional individuals.

Waste Based

Pavel Golovkin’s project "Waste" stands out as a commentary on society's relationship with refuse. Through his lens, Golovkin transforms trash from an overlooked byproduct of human activity into a nomadic entity with its own narrative, continually moving and evolving within urban landscapes.

The Moss-Men (Los Hombres de Musgo)

Our very own JC Verona, photographer and co-founder of ZERO.NINE travelled to his hometown Béjar in Spain to create a series about the unique tradition of local men covering their bodies in moss. Dating back to medieval times, the Moss-Men symbolise a profound connection with nature and highlight the importance of preserving local traditions. We spoke to him in an exclusive interview to find out more about the project that has been on his mind for years.

MACONDO

Marco Vernaschi’s mesmerising series MACONDO delves into the complexities of existence along the Magdalena River amidst an exceptionally challenging climatic backdrop, entwining the essence of Colombian magical realism with the resilience of its inhabitants.

Inversion

‘Inversion’ stands as a poignant artistic endeavour, born from the collaboration between photographer Danila Tkachenko and the non-profit organisation Gariwo. This initiative bears witness to the repercussions of Russian military aggression in Ukraine, encapsulated through a travelling photo exhibition. Through the lens of nine courageous military photojournalists, the project unveils the stark realities faced by Ukrainian communities amidst conflict.

And I lie another day

Delve into the introspective world of Karla Guerrero with ‘And I Lie Another Day’ – a photographic series that navigates the nuances of existence and womanhood. Through inherited memories and maternal influences, the artist embarks on a journey of self-discovery and identity.

Immigrant Owned

Meet Jonathan Castillo, a visionary photographer whose work transcends boundaries and celebrates the essence of the American dream. With a keen focus on immigrant entrepreneurship and the vibrant tapestry of local communities, his series illuminates the often overlooked pillars of the American economy.

Let's build a sandcastle

Sand mining, once a symbol of time and nature's intricate work, has transformed into a stark reminder of humanity's unchecked greed. Through the lens of Jakub Stanek's photography, the relentless exploitation of this natural resource confronts us with the harsh reality of irreversible consequences. It's time to reconsider our priorities and strike a balance between human needs and planetary protection.

Nothing to See Here

Ben Zank, a native of New York City, discovered his passion for photography at the age of 18 when he stumbled upon a Pentax ME Super in his grandmother's attic. Using his self-portraits as a means to express emotions where words fall short, Zank is poised to unveil his debut photo book, showcasing his distinct artistic vision.

Me Entro El Garrion (I got the Sparrow)

Photographer and filmmaker Lorna Carmichael travelled to Cuba to document the impacts of the enduring US embargo. Upon her arrival, she discovered that local Cubans also yearn for a bygone era, prompting her to create the photo story 'I got a sparrow' to encapsulate these sentiments.

I have nothing

With his ongoing series ‘I Have Nothing’, Lagos-based photographer Ebenezer Okike documents Nigeria's new generation, delving into emerging stereotypes and desires. The resulting images feel very personal and intimate, capturing details and scenes of daily life in Nigeria.

Dryland

The present humanitarian crisis in East Africa leaves many individuals displaced by the severe impact of climate change. Photographer Felicity McCabe visited Somaliland to document the ephemeral existence of the refugees and the distinctive architecture of their camps.

Imagined Images

The series ‘Imagined Images’ consists of 136 images, all generated with the help of AI. Visual artist Maria Mavropoulou created these images to recall unphotographed memories, moments she imagined or has been told that happened. With her work, she asks: What is the use of a photograph?

You Go Ahead—I'll Watch

Photographer Mickey Aloisio’s first solo exhibition just opened at Marlborough in NYC. "You Go Ahead—I'll Watch" features his interdisciplinary art using various analogue media and other alternative technologies. The exhibition includes work from his series "Lunch Break" and "Morning Dew," exploring transgressive narratives, queer navigation and intimate moments. Drawing inspiration from Laud Humphreys' controversial 1970s text Tearoom Trade, Aloisio examines consent, manipulation and deception in human relationships. The showcased works include archival pigment prints, cyanotypes and the video installation "Channel 17".

BIFRÖST

French photographer Romain Coudrier went to the Artic Circle in search of one of the greatest civilisations, the Vikings. He found a mix of vast nature and isolated spaces under the domination of mass consumption.

Marungka Tjalatjunu (dipped in black)

With “Marungka tjalatjunu (Dipped in black)”, photographer Matthew Thorne documents the poignant journey of Derik Lynch, a queer Yankunytjatjara man, as he embarks on a road trip back to his ancestral country for spiritual healing. This autobiographical series explores Derik's memories of growing up in a remote Anangu community, delving into the profound intersections of his identity across four cultural worlds – whitefella, blackfella, Christian, and Queer.

LIGHT/MASS

Inspired by the bright and crisp light of the East Coast, British photographer Owen Davies, captured his new home New York City in a new and fascinating way. Brutalist structures and buildings stand like timeless monuments against the bright sky creating an eerie scenery completely absent of any human presence.

Portraits of Áo Dài (Hope For Peace And Love)

Vietnamese photographer Chiron Duong embarked on his project ‘365 days with Áo Dài’ to showcase the beauty and rich cultural relevance of Áo Dài – a traditional Vietnamese dress. The resulting images are rich in colour, emotions and show us a modern Vietnam that many haven’t seen like this before.

The Last Stand

Between 2010 and 2014, photographer Marc Wilson travelled to 143 locations across the British Isles and Northern Europe to capture physical remnants of the Second World War. His captivating images transport us into another time – eerie landscapes, abandoned structures and the absence of humans create a parallel universe of a time gone by. His book The Last Stand has just been published in its 4th edition and is available now.

Starling

Internationally-acclaimed Danish photographer Søren Solkær – best known for his iconic portraits of artists such as Björk, Paul McCartney, Amy Winehouse, Patti Smith, Pharrell Williams, Samuel L. Jackson and David Lynch – is set to release his 9th photographic monograph, Starling, on 26th December 2023. The images continue his photographic exploration of starling murmurations, a phenomenon known in Denmark as ‘Black Sun’.

Underground Halloween

For 20 years, Seymour Licht went out every October 31st to take pictures of strangers on the New York subway. His fascinating collection of images of partygoers in costumes is now compiled in his first book Undergound Halloween – a piece of New York history like no other. We spoke to Seymour in an exclusive interview about his passion for the scariest time of the year and what kind of people he’s meeting on the subway.

Signs of time

When Russia started to invade Ukraine on 24th February 2022, Odessa-based photographer Viacheslav Onyshchenko felt paralysed and scared. Taking pictures and documenting his hometown was his way of coping with the fear and switching off from the constant news and media reports. Instead of photographing the evidence of the war, his work shows the ‘new normal’, the surreal everyday life of people in Odessa.

I Went on a Holiday to the Country You Fled From

Together with her friend Alejandra Ortiz, a writer and activist from Mexico, photographer Iris Haverkamp Begemann created the photo series ‘I Went on a Holiday to the Country You Fled From’. Iris travelled to Alejandra’s hometown in Mexico, tracing back her childhood and early life. The project creates an intimate portrait of identity and at the same time exposes a juxtaposition in experience and personal freedom.

Tree of Life

The beauty, symbolism, and versatility of flowers have transcended the natural world and found a place on the runways, shaping fashion and beauty trends with their timeless appeal. Claudine Blythman used Mimosa, with colours inspired by Iris and Peonies to symbolise love, friendship and healing.

Songs of Love and Loss

With ‘Songs of love and loss’, Francis Augusto captures moments of tension, tenderness and romance, which take us inside a gallery of feelings. His artworks explore the moments that characterise and stimulate our feelings of love and grief, enriching our cultural and artistic conversation on intimacy and relationships.

Transient Ties

‘Transient Ties’ recounts the forced migration of Michaela Nagyidaiová’s grandmother, Eleni/Lena, who fled Greece during the Greek Civil War. Set in Slovakia, the work delves into her identity as a political refugee and examines the impact of displacement on cultural heritage. It sheds light on the fragility of one's connection to their homeland after fleeing.

Christian Trippe

Celestial Beauty

Inspired by the Crab Nebula, a Supernova (star explosion) which took place in 1054 A.D., Claudine Blythman created a Beauty story, combining out-of-this-world eye make-up with original NASA imagery.

READ NEXT

Beauty: PRIDE

Blitz Afro New Romantics