NASA’s newest art installation project for the moon will be accompanied by an extraordinary musical composition created by Jon Hopkins and Ólafur Arnalds. The duo crafted “Forever Held,” a mesmerizing orchestral piece inspired by “love letters from Earth to space.” These letters, written by Erica Bernhard, NASA’s creative director and the visionary behind the project, serve as a poetic bridge connecting our planet with the vast expanse of the cosmos. Hopkins’ unique sound design captures this expansive essence, while Arnalds’ intricate string arrangements ground the work in human emotion and terrestrial rhythms. The piece will journey beyond Earth, stored on a NanoFiche disk destined for the lunar surface, marking a symbolic artistic milestone in space exploration.
Bernhard’s words describe Hopkins’ ability to “infuse sound with the expansiveness of space while grounding us in Earth’s essence,” which resonates deeply within this project. Bernhard also directed a visual video accompaniment for “Forever Held,” blending imagery and sound into a compelling multimedia experience. This video forms a part of Space for Earth, NASA’s first public-facing immersive experience, set to debut at their Washington, D.C., headquarters. The installation’s intention is to evoke the profound “overview effect,” a perspective shift experienced by astronauts that redefines their connection to our planet upon viewing it from space.
Jon Hopkins, in a press release, shared his creative intent: “I wanted to create something timeless that conveyed a feeling of being ‘held’ by Earth, juxtaposing the fragility and resilience of our planet and humanity’s pivotal role in its fate.” His orchestral work taps into this duality, creating a sonically immersive exploration of our cosmic connection. Bernhard emphasizes the living dimension of space, suggesting the interactions between Earth and NASA’s satellites offer us glimpses into invisible yet vital exchanges. This collaboration showcases a musical expression of our universe’s grandeur, bridging science and art in a singular vision that challenges us to ponder our place and responsibility in the cosmos.
Meanwhile, Hopkins continues to expand his artistic horizons. This year he released the LP “Ritual,” collaborated with Charli XCX on “Brat” and its follow-up, and will soon perform alongside the National’s Aaron and Bryce Dessner for a screening of “All of This Unreal Time” in London. His work stands as a testament to his innovative approach to blending ambient soundscapes with complex orchestral arrangements, offering listeners an immersive journey that transcends boundaries and elevates the spirit.
