Mimi Mollica’s “Moon City” Captures a Poetic Reflection on Modern Existence
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A new series of photographs by award-winning artist Mimi Mollica explores the intersection of urban life and the cosmos, prompting reflection on our place within a complex system.
Mimi Mollica, a celebrated documentary photographer known for his explorations of identity, environment, migration, and social change, has unveiled his latest project, “Moon City.” The work, co-published with Dewi Lewis Publishing, is a compelling visual meditation achieved through a unique technique: overlaying images of the lunar surface with scenes of city life, captured over five years using telescopes and mobile phones. The resulting photographs offer a poignant commentary on the human condition, suggesting we are simultaneously constrained by and complicit in the systems that govern our lives.
A Five-Year Journey to the Cosmos and Back
Mollica’s artistic process is described as meticulous, often requiring “time, patience, and precision.” He details the careful calibration of equipment and the pursuit of the perfect moment to capture the interplay between the moon and the urban landscape. However, he also acknowledges the element of serendipity, recalling one particularly successful shot achieved through sheer luck after a beautiful sunrise.
The photographs themselves are imbued with a sense of wonder and introspection. One image, described by Mollica as a favorite and chosen for the book’s sleeve, features a building surrounded by a glare he interprets as “radio waves highlighting the underlying tension between the city and the cosmos.” Another striking image captures the ethereal glow of “earthshine” – sunlight reflected off Earth illuminating the moon’s dark side – a phenomenon Mollica describes as the “old moon in the arms of the new.” He notes this image was created during a challenging period of crowdfunding for the project, with the moon serving as a constant source of companionship and guidance.
A Limited-Edition Print Sale and Exhibition
To celebrate the launch of “Moon City,” a limited-edition print sale is underway, running until December 8th. Prints are available in various sizes – small (20x27cm) at £70, medium unframed (30x40cm) at £80, medium framed (30x40cm) at £155, large unframed (60x80cm) at £225, and large framed (60x80cm) at £395 – with edition sizes ranging from 10 to 25. Global express shipping is available, with rates varying by region: £8.50 for the UK, £13.15 for Europe, £15 for the US/Canada, and £39 for the rest of the world.
These prints are produced on museum-grade, fine-art paper, ensuring archival quality for over a century. All printing and quality control are handled by theprintspace, a leading UK-based photo and fine art print provider, committed to carbon-neutral and sustainable practices.
An exhibition of “Moon City” prints will be on display at theprintspace, located at 74 Kingsland Road, opening with a private view on Friday, November 28th. Tickets are free but limited, and reservations are encouraged.
Reflecting on Encagement and Agency
Mollica’s work transcends mere aesthetic appeal. It’s a “poetic, urgent meditation on how we have become both victims and promoters of a system that encages us.” The juxtaposition of the vastness of space with the confines of the urban environment invites viewers to contemplate their own relationship to the structures – both physical and societal – that shape their lives. The image of a British Airways aeroplane silhouetted against the half-moon, captured with considerable technical skill, serves as a powerful symbol of human ambition and the relentless pursuit of progress, even as it underscores our limited perspective within the grand cosmic scheme.
Prints can be purchased directly through [email protected].
