The Fusion of Time, Space, and Matter: The Work of Megan Cump
Text by Oman Morí (@omanmori)
Exploring the symbiotic relationship between the cosmos and the intricate details in the back of an ancient human skull, alongside the mystique of nocturnal phenomena and the carvings inside remote caves. Brooklyn-based visual artist Megan Cump latest photographic essay transcends temporal and spatial dimensions. In her latest work, she explores a visual narrative that weaves together the vastness of the macrocosm with the intimacy of the microcosm, presenting an argument for the interconnectedness of all things.
Titled "ATOMS / STONES," the series is described as a lyrical atlas, including subjects such as fireworks, insects, prehistoric rock carvings, night skies, and portraits of sleepers. It began with the discovery of a 250,000-year-old cranium fragment, where the naturally occurring lines within its interior sparked contemplation about mapping and the convergence of time and space. This revelation led her to seek out similar textures, that articulate the interplay between the cosmic and the earthly.
About her creative process, Megan explains, “Charting their paths and patterns in the dark sky: stars, fireworks, satellites, and fireflies plot their coordinates in light. These dots and dashes, made on both a micro and macro scale, collide and scatter like atomic particles, tracing the universe on film.” The result is a visual representation that transcends the confines of traditional art genres, where the ephemeral nature of celestial bodies converges with the intricacies of atomic particles, captured on film.
Cump draws inspiration from dreams, myths, and the unpredictable nature of time and matter. Her work combines these elements into a cohesive narrative, emphasizing the interconnectedness of humanity across epochs.
For further information about Megan Cump’s work, you can visit her website.
