Research Archive

Hillwood Art Museum, Brookville, NY 1986
Fekner’s Countdown is a massive 1986 installation at Long Island University’s Hillwood Art Museum. Fekner’s mural functions as a tribute to the astronauts who lost their lives aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger on January 28, 1986. The work is not only about loss and tragedy, but is also about questioning ourselves and having a responsible and positive outlook to move beyond our own personal difficulties. Fekner’s use of spray snow instead of paint emphasizes a more ephemeral and fragile quality to the commanding image.