The technology to realize his vision fully didn’t exist in 1989, but with help from the scientists, politicians, agencies, and corporations he enthused along the way, Van Sant almost made it. As it is, technology is now close to realizing a planet replica. And, while NASA’s “Earth System Digital Twin,” Europe’s “Destination Earth,” and China’s “EarthLab” are entirely digital – unlike Van Sant's spectacular interactive, animated globe – the GeoSphere is undoubtedly part of their shared DNA. Plus, there is another way in which the GeoSphere Project persists: an often-repeated story that the GeoSphere Image is part of Google Earth turns out to be true.

By unpacking the Geosphere Project alongside the artist’s trajectory and influences, this exhibition gives Van Sant’s visionary achievements the spotlight they deserve. Curated by Janet Owen Driggs and designed by Lara Hoad with Andrew Byrom, An Earth Twin at the Digital Dawn is produced by 18th Street Arts Center, Otis College of Art and Design, and Cypress College. Part of Santa Monica’s DNA Festival, it is presented in conjunction with PST ART: Art & Science Collide is produced by 18th Street Arts Center, Otis College of Art and Design, and Cypress College. Part of Santa Monica’s DNA Festival, it is presented in conjunction with PST ART: Art & Science Collide.

The 18th Street Arts Center thanks the following generous supporters:

• Institute of Museum and Library Sciences
• National Endowment for the Arts
• Santa Monica Cultural Affairs
• Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Department of Arts and Culture
• Perenchio Foundation
• The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts
• Otis College of Art and Design
• 18th Street Arts Center’s Board and Individual Donors
• Living Color Events