‘Into the Space’ is reciprocation between art and astronomical wonders through a unique creative practice; it fosters the creation of the students by extending our students’ practice in connection with astronomy and art. In order to enhance the interior of GCIE, ceiling project was proposed. It is a collaboration of GCIE and Art department in GIIS Abu Dhabi. Although it is not a new concept to integrate art and astronomy, the heavens have always been a source of inspiration for poetry, music and the visual arts. The first chapter of the biblical book of Genesis already talks about the creation of the Sun, Moon and the stars. In renaissance many paintings depicts the phenomena of space.

The project objective was to display different phenomenon happening in sky during day as well as night on the ceiling. The intent of this fascinating ceiling display was to inspire students when they work in the GCIE.

There are many components to this project. First, GCIE conducted few classes of second grade students to introduce the Astronomy subject. Many topics were explained to them in a simple way. It covered topics like – night sky, telescope, stars, planets, astronauts, solar system, comets, shapes of galaxies and Milky-way galaxy. Students were also explained about ISS (International Space Station), zero gravity, earth from ISS etc. Students were amazed to learn about Northern lights as well as Aliens. To flourish their imagination, they discussed places like to two suns in the sky or window view of another planet and many more science fictions. Interesting videos of ISS, solar system and Northern lights were played during the class, to convey the concepts in best possible way.

Since the idea was to decorate the ceiling of GCIE, art department decided to start with Michelangelo and the making of Sistine Chapel’s ceiling painting. The first stage in the decoration of the Sistine Chapel was the painting of the ceiling in blue, studded with gilt stars (astronomy) with decorative borders .This was entirely replaced when Michelangelo came to work on the ceiling in 1508. Students of year 2 were exposed to the Italian renaissance, the frescos in the interior of the chapel. The last judgement, the creation of Adam. They were mesmerised by Michelangelo’s journey as a sculptor, painter and architect. In their art classes students watched Videos and power point presentations on Michelangelo and Sistine Chapel. 

Students painted the stars, the astronauts, the solar system, northern lights, aliens, Mars and many more facts and fictions of the universe which later were scanned, printed and displayed on the ceilings of GCIE department. Without the help of any professional we have managed to install the sticker posters on the ceiling. Many changes came on the way since we faced several technical problems such as electrical connections, air condition vents which could not be blocked.  Students created hand painted borders for all 120 prints. However one of many life skills the child learns at GIIS is problem solving, they were able to successfully install all the prints on the ceiling.  It has become a continuous source of pride to the students because of the permanence of the ceiling art project.