Mysterion of the Cosmos
Carter invites us to consider the difficult notion that the ultimate entity, the so-called “god,” is a living entity that covers the thin crust of this molten planet we call Earth. This “entity” includes: the atmosphere, the planetary life support system, and all living matter within the liquid and gaseous atmospheres and the surfaces and cervices of the rocky crust. Through his artwork, he invites us to reflect on the interconnectedness of the many elements of nature and to consider how our individual actions affect the entire life system of the planet. We are urged to recognize our privileged position on this planet and to commit to actions that will protect and nurture that which we depend on second by second: the life system of the planet. Although our finite minds cannot grasp its magnificence, Jerry invites us to contemplate and appreciate Earth through the Mysterion of the Cosmos.
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Two Exhibitions of the Mysterion of The Cosmos in Florence Italy at:
Mysterion of The Cosmos. Winner of the Lorenzo de Medici Medal for his Mysterion of the Cosmos. Ironically, Carter's award category was in "New Media," when mosaic, one of the oldest pictorial art forms, is combined with cast stone and automotive enamel. Florence, Italy.
( Winner of the Lorenzo di Medici Award at the Florence Biennale. )
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( Mysterion of the Cosmos. Prima opera d'arte esposta al Laboratorio di Astrofisica di Arcetri, dominato dalla residenza di Galileo. Inaugurazione il giorno del compleanno di Leonardo da Vinci, il 15 aprile 2004.)
Arcetri Astrophysics Laboratory, Florence
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Mysterion of the Cosmos: At The Florence International Biennale for Contemporary Art
Description of Jerry Carter’s iconographic reliefs at the Florence International Biennale of Contemporary Art.
Carter creates an enduring iconography of his subconscious thoughts on the most profound issue facing human existence: the future of life on Earth and humanity’s interaction with that future.
The Observer” 90X60X4 cm. is a triangular composition of Venetian glass mosaic, molten stone and car enamel. It represents the observer, artist/scientist, taking notes, in the green vegetation. The tessellated background represents the warm earth atmosphere.
Green Life Disc [Image of Gaia]. 100 cm. The "Disc of Life" represents the repository of all the genetic code for Life on Planet Earth. The continuing degradation of the Disc of Life is causing the genetic code for Life to be lost. The observer is looking through the surface of the planet's atmosphere as it thins and disappears.
Pegasus, 90X60X4 cm. is a triangular composition. It represents the possibility of nobility of the inspired and imaginative human soul in union with the forces of Gaia. The artworks as a group are a single pictogram of visible and invisible meaning. The geometric composition of the negative space between these three artworks has a meaning of a non-present object, similar to those expressed by certain Renaissance artists.
The Green Life Disc Concept
GAIA's central symbol, the Green Life Disc, represents Carter's vision of Earth's genetic codes as information storage. Just as a CD stores digital data on its surface, Earth stores the blueprints of all life within its thin atmospheric layer and rocky crust. While a CD preserves information in two dimensions, Earth preserves life's essence across multiple dimensions in its delicate surface environment.
The Green Life Disc embodies human consciousness and all terrestrial life forms within Earth's interconnected support systems. This concept first appeared in Carter's solo exhibition at the National Headquarters of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, where the Green Life Disc and its companion piece, 6th Circle, served as the exhibition's centerpieces.
Artistic Technique and Influences
Carter's cast stone relief series draws from diverse artistic traditions. His mosaic sensibilities developed during extensive study and work in Ravenna, Italy's mosaic capital. This foundation merged with his architectural ceramic background and America's hot rod enamel painting tradition to create a unique visual language.
As a painter who embraces unconventional methods, Carter applies automotive enamels using techniques inspired by 14th-century Venetian colorists like Tintoretto and Titian. His process begins with an earth red base, followed by a white-blended middle layer that creates depth. He then builds up transparent color layers embedded with crystalline flakes that catch and reflect light through a final transparent blue layer, all sealed with a protective glaze.
Artist’s Statement
Dr. John Spike PhD., art historian and Artistic Director of the Florence Biennale reviews Jerry Carter’s Mysterion of the Cosmos at the Florence Biennale of Contemporary Art competition.
Public Review from “ Mysterion of the Cosmos” by Jerry Carter. John Spike, Ph.D Harvard. Istoria da Arte. Artistic Director, Florence International Biennale of Contemporary Art. Public Review from “ La Misterium del Cosmo” by Jerry Carter
Spike: "This artist has been officially recognized by NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, for the connection between his art and, you would say astronomy or just science... As I approached the wall, I realized immediately... that the artist was fascinated by science, which of course, has a long and wonderful tradition of artists, especially in Florence, who were interested in science during the Renaissance. During the Renaissance, the desire of the famous Renaissance artist to represent the world in a more realistic way was a central element of their scientific thinking and imagining the world was a way of exploring it scientifically." "This artist is doing the same thing. He could have been a physicist or an astronomer. But he wants to use the metaphor of art to address these issues: And that was also evident when I approached him. So he's telling me what he wants to do. Now, in the way he organized his show as a science demonstration. Because the artist doesn't say to the abstract painter, you could have more concentrated effects with one thing. It's scientific data in a science demonstration, and the more the better, as long as it's not confusing. But it's not. It's very clear." "Yours is a kind of language that you've invented that expresses your very true observations about the situation, about the ecological disaster that's happening. And we need people to be as concerned as you are, otherwise we'll be violinists on top of our own burning pyre. With every breath I take I think of your work."
Mysterion of the Cosmos seen with Carter and fellow mosaic artist Lillian Broca also exhibiting at the biennale.
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Carter’s Exhibition of the Mysterion of the Cosmos at the Arcetri Astrophysics Observatory. Florence, Italy. April 15- May 28, 2004
Carter explains his creations to the astronomers at the Arcetri Observatory.
Jerry Carter and Dr. Marco Salvati. Director of The Arcetri Astrophysics Laboratory.
Dr. John Spike and Artist Jerry Carter
Exhibition Catalogue
The exhibition of the creation of the American artist Jerry W. Carter, "Mysterion of the Cosmos", was held at the Arcetri Observatory, dominated by the residence of the famous astronomer Galileo Galilei. The exhibition was opened on April 15, Leonardo da Vinci's birthday. The exhibition of Carter's creations was curated by Dr. John T. Spike, Ph.D., artistic director of the Florence International Bi-Annual Competition of Contemporary Art; Dr. Vito Abba, director of public relations of the Florence Bi-Annual; Dr. Maurizio Sericini, https://seracini.com the main technical analyst of Leonardo da Vinci's paintings, especially "The Adoration of the Magi"; and Dr. Marco Salvati, Director of the Arcetri Astrophysics Laboratory in Florence, who opened the exhibition of the "Mysterion of the Cosmos". Consisting of the "Objects of the Mysterion", "Green Life Disc", "Observer" and "Pegasus", the Mysterion of the Cosmos showcased the fusion of art and science, offering the public the opportunity to witness the wonders of the cosmos in the context of art. The Mysterion of the Cosmos exhibition challenged traditional art forms by integrating science and technology, forging a new path for artists. This exhibition marked a celebration of Leonardo da Vinci's visionary creativity, Galileo's groundbreaking discoveries in defining the Earth and the place of the human species in the Universe, and the artist's ability to generate innovative ideas; it is a significant event in the history of contemporary art. The exhibition highlighted the importance of creativity and innovation in art, urging artists to continue to push boundaries.
Il Mysterion del Cosmo at the Arcetri Catalogue. 20 Pages. Texts in English and Italian by Dr. John Spike, Ph.D Art History. Dr. Daniel Yesa Gezari, Ph.D Infra red Astronomer NASA./Goddard Space Flight Center, Artist, Jerry Carter, and Dr. Marco Salvati, Director of the Arcetri Astrophysics Laboratory, Florence Italy.
The Meaning of Carter's Mysterion of the Cosmos Mosaic
Jerry W. Carter's "Mysterion of the Cosmos" carries deep significance in contemporary art. After winning the Florence Biennale, Carter received remarkable recognition when Florentine art critics organized a stunning exhibition of this work at the Arcetri Astrophysics Observatory. The location held special meaning—overlooked by Galileo's former residence, the exhibition opened on Leonardo da Vinci's birthday, connecting Carter's vision to these master innovators.
Art Meets Science and Philosophy
This mosaic represents Carter's quest to understand the cosmos by uniting art, science, and philosophy. Through his artistic vision, Carter demonstrates a scientific understanding of our planet's place in the universe. He believes that 21st-century humanity can achieve extraordinary things when we work together, and this artwork embodies that collaborative spirit.
The Arcetri exhibition marks a significant moment in art history, potentially inspiring future artists to create works that reflect our reality as inhabitants of a planet within the cosmic expanse.
Exploring Universal Mysteries
"Mysterion of the Cosmos" attempts to capture the profound mysteries of existence—the enigmatic, ineffable, and elusive aspects of our universe. At its heart, the piece expresses humanity's fundamental desire to understand the cosmos and find our place within it.
Using sculpture, painting, and mosaic techniques, Carter conveys the awe and wonder we experience when contemplating the universe's vastness and complexity. The artwork serves as both a spiritual meditation and a celebration of cosmic beauty.
A Spiritual and Visual Journey
This deeply spiritual work reflects the belief that divine presence infuses the cosmos—both transcendent and intimately present. It invites viewers to contemplate existence's mysteries and open themselves to a deeper spiritual connection with the universe.
Through intricate designs and stunning visual displays, the mosaic captures the wonder and awe that the cosmos inspires. Ultimately, it expresses the human condition itself—our drive for knowledge, our need to connect with something greater, and our delight in the universe's breathtaking beauty.
Mysterion of The Cosmos At The Arcetri. By Jerry W. Carter. Acrylic Painting 1.4M x 1.4M
Carter's "Mysterion of the Cosmos" painting creates a powerful dialogue between earthly and cosmic realms through its layered symbolism.
Visual Elements and Symbolism
The central blue-green disc—representing your Green Life Disc concept—glows with an ethereal quality that suggests both Earth's biosphere and a cosmic data storage device. Its placement against the swirling nebular background creates that CD/cosmic information storage analogy you mentioned.
The two triangular forms flanking the disc add geometric stability to the cosmic chaos, perhaps representing the dual nature of human understanding—one triangle appears more textured and earthbound, while the other seems more ethereal and cosmic. Together they frame our planet's story within the larger universe.
The Arcetri Connection
The landscape beneath the cosmic drama shows Carter's remarkable attention to place and history. The rolling Tuscan hills and vineyard patterns visible in the lower portion ground this cosmic vision in the very real location where Galileo spent his final years, contemplating these same mysteries. The radiating light beams connecting sky to earth suggest the continuous flow of cosmic influence on our terrestrial existence.
Technical Mastery
The layered transparency and luminous quality you described in Carter's technique is evident here—the way light seems to emanate from within the disc and radiate outward through the cosmic backdrop demonstrates that Venetian colorist influence merged with automotive enamel painting traditions.
This piece successfully bridges the gap between scientific observation and spiritual contemplation, much like Galileo himself did from his Arcetri residence.