Asteroidea was a two meter diameter galaxy of starfish that was made in 2003 to hang against the east window of Salthouse Church in north Norfolk as part of a group exhibition.  The idea came from a series of walks, at low tide, around the coast, during which there was a mass stranding of starfish.  Many were desiccated by the sun on the hot shingle and became a part of this work.  The idea was to take starfish from the bottom of the sea and throw them up into the sky as a galaxy, like the mosaic stars in the ceiling of the Galla Placidia church in Ravenna.  As above, so below.

In 2026 Asteroidea came out for one last time, was mended and hung once again in the church, but this time on its own.  A series of celebratory, participatory events were organised, evolving from and revolving around the celestial installation – storytelling, projected image, sound, writing, poetry and science.  Many people took part. After the final event, Asteroidea was dismantled.

Thanks to NCAS and Norfolk County Council for their generous support.

All still photographs by Andi Sapey