When the sky redecorates, it does it in private. This was Sussex on the 10th of May 2024.

Or it did. The irony, which won’t be lost on people criticised for mediating their world via smart devices, is that this was largely invisible to the naked eye. Aim the phone at it though, and the cosmic curtain is pulled back.

I was discussing reality in paintings elsewhere, and how perceived unreality can happen in the face of an unusual phenomenon. This is one of those, so using it as the subject of a painting would be tricky. Nevertheless, it’s material so I’ll be thinking about it.

Reference for why phones can ‘see’ this when eyes can’t: Ewen Bell (accessed 11th May 2024)

SCH 2024. All photos (c)suzanneconboy-hill