As of March 2025, 721 people had been to space, according to the USAF. But this number is set to change. In recent years, space tourism has become a fascination of the ultra-rich – amongst them Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Virgin’s Richard Branson. Earlier this year, pop star Katy Perry garnered attention and criticism for her 11-minute flight aboard Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket. These ideas are the foundation of Fotografiska Tallinn’s latest exhibition: Space: A Visual Journey. It features 14 internationally acclaimed artists who are grappling with big questions around who gets to experience space, how and why.
The line-up includes Mackenzie Calle, whose World Press Photo-winning series The Gay Space Agency looks at the historical exclusion of LGBTQIA+ astronauts from NASA. Likewise, Rhiannon Adam’s Rhi-Entry chronicles the artist’s experience of being chosen as the only female crew member – from a million applicants – on Japanese billionaire art collector Yusaku Maezawa’s SpaceX civilian moon expedition. Her work reckons with the journey’s cancellation in 2024, which abruptly ended years of preparation.
Elsewhere, Matjaž Tančič documents communities living in desert simulations of Mars to prepare for real planetary missions, and there are contributions from Aesthetica Art Prize-shortlisted filmmaker Mónica Alcázar-Duarte. Also featured is German artist-turned-astronaut Michael Najjar, whose practice treads the line between art, science and technology. “I grew up particularly fascinated by space exploration, inspired by the moon landing, Star Trek, and the Shuttle missions,” the artist says. “Today, I work closely with space engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs to translate their visions of space exploration into artistic expression. As one of Virgin Galactic’s Future Astronauts, I will soon venture into space myself. The physical involvement and hands-on experience are fundamental elements of my artistic process.”
Fotografiska’s message is clear: the next era of space travel has arrived. But questions remain. Are we prioritising commercialisation over scientific enquiry? Who is behind it all? And what does this mean for our collective future? Whatever the answers may be, Space is a milestone moment for the gallery. “This is Fotografiska’s most technologically ambitious exhibition to date,” says Maarja Loorents, Co-Founder and Head of Exhibitions. “Visitors will discover immersive works and large-scale installations created especially for the show, along with fascinating material on the history and present of space exploration.”
Space: A Visual Journey is at Fotografiska, Tallinn, until 18 January.
Words: Emma Jacob
Image Credits:
1. Matjaž Tančič. From the series Mars on Earth, (2019-ongoing). © Matjaž Tančič.
2. Mackenzie Calle. From the series The Gay Space Agency, (2024). © Mackenzie Calle.
3. Michael Najjar. Orbital ascent, 2017 © Michael Najjar and Wemhöner Collection.
4. Mónica Alcázar-Duarte. Magnificent Desolation, (2023). © Mónica Alcázar-Duarte.
