Join us for an afternoon with artist and astrophysicist Dr. Nia Imara about her latest book, Painting the Cosmos: How Art and Science Intersect to Reveal the Secrets of the Universe. She will be in conversation with MoAD's Chief of Curatorial & Public Programs Key Jo Lee. The presentation will be followed by a book signing.

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Painting the Cosmos: How Art and Science Intersect to Reveal the Secrets of the Universe

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In this eye-opening and accessible book, Imara asks pivotal questions and explores humanity’s ever-evolving view of nature. What is our place in the universe? Where do art and science overlap? How can we use these disciplines to better understand the universe . . . and how do they help us to shape our reality? Richly illustrated with spectacular full-color images of our universe and beautiful work from creators around the world—particularly the often-neglected work of women and Black artists—this one-of-a-kind book unites the realms of art, science and culture to create a dynamic portrait of the cosmos.

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About the Author

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Dr. Nia Imara (@drniaimara) is an artist and astrophysicist born in Oakland, California. She is a graduate of Kenyon College, received her PhD in astrophysics from UC Berkeley, did her postdoctoral work at Harvard University, and is currently a professor of astronomy at UC Santa Cruz. Her nonprofit organization, Onaketa, provides free STEM tutoring and other educational resources for black and brown youth in the United States and Ghana.

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Key Jo Lee (@keyjolee) is chief of curatorial affairs and public programs at the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) in San Francisco. In this role, Lee oversees the strategic direction for the museum’s exhibitions and programs; leads globally on identifying and promoting emerging artists from the African diaspora; and works to expand MoAD’s reach and influence locally, nationally, and internationally.

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She is responsible for the overall management and execution of the museum’s curatorial vision, including its exhibitions, publications, and public and educational programs, and plays an important role in the organization’s outreach, communications, and digital strategy. Lee has a master’s degree from and is PhD candidate in History of Art and African American Studies at Yale University.

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Her first book, Perceptual Drift: Black Art and an Ethics of Looking, was published by Yale University Press and The Cleveland Museum of Art in January 2023.

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This program is presented in conjunction with the current exhibition Unbound: Art, Blackness & the Universe, on view October 1, 2025 - August 16, 2026.

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