SPACE – A Visual Journey: Where Queerness Meets the Cosmos at Fotografiska Tallinn
Back in 1983, Sally Ride became the first American woman to travel into space. What the world didn’t know then was that she was also queer. Her truth only became public in 2012, revealed in her obituary after 27 years with her partner. She lived her entire life in orbit between visibility and silence.
“What if a gay man had soared into space at the height of the AIDS crisis? What if the first person to walk on Mars is non-binary?” These are the radical questions that ignite a groundbreaking exhibition about identity, dreams, and the vastness of the universe.
On September 12, Fotografiska Tallinn launches SPACE – A Visual Journey, a major exhibition that dares to merge science and art to imagine futures where queerness shines among the stars.
Fourteen artists, infinite perspectives
Featuring works by 14 international artists, the show captures not only the grandeur of the universe but also asks: who are we in this eternity, and who is even allowed to dream about tomorrow?
Two queer artists, in particular, redefine the narrative:
Mackenzie Calle (US), with her series The Gay Space Agency, takes on NASA’s historic exclusion of queer astronauts. Through original photography and reimagined archival material, she builds a counter-history—one where being queer is not erased, but celebrated as essential to the future of space.
Rhiannon Adam (Ireland), chosen as the only woman in the dearMoon project alongside SpaceX, stood ready to carry marginalized voices into space. Though the mission was cancelled in 2024, her work remains a shrine to lost dreams and a rallying cry for representation in the space industry.
Yes, queer people have been to space
Though often overlooked, queer astronauts exist. Sally Ride, Wendy Lawrence (who came out in 2019), and Anne McClain are part of our LGBTQ+ legacy in orbit. We’ve always been here—on Earth and beyond.
An immersive, family-friendly cosmic trip
“This is Fotografiska’s most technologically ambitious exhibition to date, and it’s perfect for families,” says Maarja Loorents, Co-Founder and Head of Exhibitions. Visitors can explore large-scale installations, historical materials on space exploration, and even the AI-powered Space Reflection Station, designed to spark questions about identity and the universe.
The opening night kicks off with a space-themed party on Friday, September 12, as part of Fotografiska Tallinn’s Night Shift program. From artist talks to live podcast recordings, the weekend promises both inspiration and celebration.
Claiming the cosmos as queer space
SPACE – A Visual Journey is not just an exhibition—it’s an invitation. A reminder that our imagination should never be limited by prejudice. That if we can dream ourselves into the stars, we can exist anywhere.
The queer community has always been here. And yes—we’ve also been to space. Now it’s time to celebrate it.
