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AVAILABILE FEBRUARY 2025

A stunning portrait of our vast, dynamic, and mysterious universe as seen through the lenses of astronomy and art

What is our place in the universe? Where do art and science overlap? How can we use these disciplines to better understand the universe—and how do they help us shape our reality? In
Painting the Cosmos, astrophysicist and visual artist Dr. Nia Imara combines these perspectives to shed new light on the marvels of the universe and how we see our- selves in it.

Richly illustrated with stunning full-color images of our universe and beautiful paintings, drawings, sculptures, and more from creators around the world—particularly the often-neglected work of women and black artists—this one-of-a-kind book unites the realms of art, science, and culture to create a dynamic portrait of the cosmos.

From the Big Bang to life on other planets, while also explaining the most exciting recent developments in astronomy. With Imara’s guiding expertise, readers will explore:

• The limits of objectivity in understanding reality
• The principles that govern movement in space and the role of rhythm in the universe and art
• How light functions as a storyteller
• How scientists and artists help us “see” the invisible—from black holes to marginalized experiences
• The possibility of life beyond our solar system, and how we define intelligence

With Imara’s guiding expertise on subjects from the Big Bang, to the discovery of dark matter, to the most exciting recent developments in astronomy, Painting the Cosmos will captivate and inspire you to see the world around you in a fascinating new light where space and art are beautifully intertwined.

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About the Author

Nia  Imara

Dr. Nia Imara is an artist and astrophysicist born in Oakland, California. She is a graduate of Kenyon College, received her PhD in astrophysics from UC Berkeley, did her postdoctoral work at Harvard University, and is currently a professor of astronomy at UC Santa Cruz. Her nonprofit organization, Onaketa, provides free STEM tutoring and other educational resources for black and brown youth in the United States and Ghana.

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