The Unforeseen Spectrum

Agate Tūna’s artistic project The Unforeseen Spectrum delves into the long-standing association between the Moon and human consciousness, while also raising the provocative question of what could happen if the Moon’s colour were altered. Tūna interrogates the age-old belief that the full moon can provoke bizarre and dangerous behavior, including sleepwalking, suicide, violence and even lycanthropy. Though scientific studies have discredited these claims, they still persist in some communities. Tūna draws inspiration from this belief, considering how altering the Moon’s colour might impact human psychology and the environment.

To bring this vision to life, Tūna employs the experimental photographic technique of chemigrams, which utilise photosensitive paper, fixative, developer and stopper to create unpredictable and magical effects. The resulting images embody the moon’s enigmatic and mercurial nature, appearing in a range of hues, including blue, purple, pink and sepia. This technique is an apt choice for exploring the Moon’s evocative power and the potential consequences of tampering with it.

Through her project, Tūna challenges viewers to contemplate the Moon’s role as a natural guardian of Earth and how altering its appearance could impact this vital function. By tackling this topic through art, Tūna spotlights the political, social and environmental significance of the Moon, while also urging viewers to re-examine their beliefs and attitudes towards this iconic celestial body.