Tower Talk: Ad Lucem

Explore the art-science photo exhibition “Ad Lucem” together with its two creators, artist Cecilia Ömalm and astronomy professor Göran Östlin.

How does light from distant galaxies connect us across time and space? Immerse yourself in mesmerizing, deep-blue works created with cyanotype – a unique process where iron salts mixed into UV-sensitive solutions, combined with sunlight, form images in those unmistakable blue tones.

Ömalm and Östlin recreate the Universe’s light and astronomical imagery using both historic glass-plate negatives and modern digital sensors. Each piece is printed by hand, and when the Sun develops these celestial images, it becomes a poetic act: the works are reborn by the very light from the sky toward which the telescopes once pointed.

“Ad Lucem” is the duo’s largest solo exhibition to date, featuring 40 works including a new piece inspired by Danish astronomer Ole Rømer’s measurements of the speed of light – presented in a spatial design reflecting the tower’s architecture and evoking the feeling of stepping into an observatory.

Cecilia Ömalm and Göran Östlin will guide visitors through the exhibition and share insights into their cyanotype practice. For those eager to experience the craft firsthand, the artists will host a cyanotype workshop on 7 February, open to both children and adults.

Before and after the tour, guests are welcome to enjoy the exhibition at their own pace and purchase refreshments from the bar in the Library Hall. Admission to the Round Tower is included in the ticket.

Please note: The talk will be held in English.

The event is part of the program for Light Year 2026 – a year-long celebration of light and the 350th anniversary of Ole Rømer’s groundbreaking discovery of the speed of light.