Watch a recording of the seminar held on 17th January here: Metaphysical Cosmologies Seminar
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Showing in Galleries 1 + 2 from 17th January to 28th March, Metaphysical Cosmologies by Meg Rodger explores our relationship with the universe from the standing stones at Calanais to present day cutting edge astronomy. It aspires to engender a sense of wonder, spiritualism and mystery that as humans we associate with the cosmos while shedding light on the dark side of space exploration – satellite light pollution and debris.
To celebrate the launch of Metaphysical Cosmologies we are holding a seminar of film, talks and discussion on Saturday 17th January, from 2pm – 4.30pm. Join us for a fascinating programme, including an introduction to the Metaphysical Cosmologies work, from the artist Meg Rodger, a short film on Calanis, and talks and discussion with Dr Alison Sheridan and Prof Andy Lawrence. To conclude the seminar, we hope to continue outside with some star gazing, weather permitting!
Book your free ticket for the Metaphysical Cosmologies Seminar using our online ticketing system below. If you are booking to attend online, you will be emailed a Zoom link for the seminar on the day. We close for bookings at midday on Saturday 17th.
All are welcome to attend the opening preview of Metapysical Cosmologies too, in Taigh Chearsabhagh on Friday 16th January, 7pm.
Meg Rodger’s work has evolved as a result of a RSA digital residency with Uist Film and a period of research and development funded by Creative Scotland including a week as artist in residence at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh in February 2025. Meg Rodger lives and works on the Isle of Berneray. She works creatively with natural phenomena, taking inspiration from the complexity, strength and beauty of the oceans and wild lands. Read more about her creative interpretation of Metaphysical Cosmologies here.
Dr Alison Sheridan is a Research Associate, Department of Scottish History and Archaeology, National Museums Scotland; Honorary Research Fellow in Archaeology, University of Edinburgh; and Vice President, Archaeology Scotland. She specialises in the Neolithic, Chalcolithic and Bronze Age of Britain and Ireland and is on the Board of Urras nan Tursachan (Calanais Stones Trust). She will share her knowledge about the history, use and significance of this fascinating and complex monument, whose history extends back around 5000 years.
Andy Lawrence is Regius Prof of Astronomy, Edinburgh University and works on the physics of quasars but also enjoys outreach, arts collaboration and astronomical history. More recently he has become active in campaigning for space environmentalism. He is author of Losing the Sky (2021) which warns of the alarming issues relating to satellite pollution and an unsustainable space industry.
Metaphysical Cosmologies is free to view in Galleries 1 + 2, from 17th January – 28th March, Monday to Saturday, 10am-4pm. If you would like to support our continued programming and enable us to keep offering free events, please consider making a donation to Taigh Chearsabhagh.