Based at the University of Portsmouth, The Whole Earth puts academics, artists, designers, activists and cultural/heritage organisations in dialogue on the impact and legacy of scientific and technological visualisations produced since 1945. From images of nuclear technology and space exploration, to representations of DNA, cybernetics and evolutionary biology, the post-WWII era bequeathed a vast array of reproduced and ideologically-charged images, which continue to resonate across the political, cultural and academic landscape. Taking its lead from the counterculture magazine The Whole Earth Catalog, this is a wide-ranging, interdisciplinary project that draws on expertise from the arts, sciences and humanities to provide an kaleidoscopic response to contemporary issues and challenges. Previous events have explored NASA's famed "Blue Marble" photograph of 1972, considering its role as both an icon of historic significance, a stimulus for new thinking about the environment, global interconnectedness and technological progress and an image in need of critique and deconstruction. Our next event, devoted to the impact and legacy of the nuclear mushroom cloud will take place on the 15-17 July 2025. Follow the website to find out more and click here to book free tickets.

Our events have been supported by the British Association of American Studies, the US Embassy and the University of Portsmouth Heritage Hub.