IC 2118, the Witch’s Head nebula, in Eridanus (2011)

Through the use of very long exposures taken with a telescope, Malin reveals stars and constellations too distant to be seen with the naked eye. The Witch’s Head nebula, the subject of this edition’s specially commissioned print, is 800 light years away from Earth in the constellation of Orion. As the colloquial name suggests, this heavenly duststorm has the pointed nose and crooked chin of a fairytale crone. In reality the nebula is quite blue, glowing in light reflected from the super-giant star, Rigel. The dusty formation of the witch’s silhouette is contrasted starkly with the glittering lights of the sky, in an ethereal composition that showcases the most wonderful collaboration between man and nature.

Each limited edition silver gelatin print is simply and elegantly produced and illustrates the breathtaking beauty of this phenomenon. Aside from its scientific importance, the work speaks for itself as one of the most spectacular sights ever caught on film.

Silver gelatin print
Sheet size: 609 x 508 mm (24 x 20 inches)
Image size: 552 x 435 mm (21 3/4 x 17 1/8 inches)
Print folder: 630 x 530 mm (24 3/4 x 20 3/4 inches)
Printed in 2010 in an edition of 100 plus 5 artist's proofs
All copies are signed and numbered by David Malin