Cold War in the 50´s is an interesting time,
marked by optimism about technological progress, but also by the fear
of the same. Test explosions of nuclear bombs in the Nevada desert and
Bikini Atoll was in full swing and the memory of the bombings of
Hiroshima and Nagasaki, were fresh. Meanwhile NASA started there
research.
One can see that this ambivalence was the source of two different
approaches. Either fascination with all the technology, and where that
can bring humanity: into space. Or the fear of escalating disasters,
and the apocalypse approaching: Judgment Day according to the
Christians.
The books in the installation are from the time when people turned
there gaze to the sky. If man can get out in space, maybe other
creatures will be able to go to Earth. And if doomsday is approaching,
then Jesus would come soon and get the believers.
Common to the different approaches is the desire for scientific proof.
The book "Facts about flying saucers and their drive motors" are based
on technical explanations and Christian books are based on
interpretations of the Bible. To present their interpretations as fact,
becomes a way to try to get away from their common denominator - to
believe.
|
