Michael Najjar : Space Exploration
Artist, explorer, and future astronaut Michael Najjar’s work merges art, science, and technology, addressing the challenges and transformations of our time. His art spans photography, video, digital image-making, and sculpture, often exploring themes like space exploration, AI, climate change, biogenetics, and the impact of technology on humanity. His visually compelling and conceptually profound creations challenge viewers to reflect on the interplay between reality and simulation.
Notably, Michael Najjar has undergone astronaut training to potentially become the first artist in space, collaborating with Virgin Galactic. This training includes zero-gravity and centrifuge sessions, emphasizing his commitment to directly experiencing the extreme environments his work often depicts. His acclaimed series such as Outer Space and Cool Earth explore humanity’s future in space and the critical need for planetary sustainability.
His work has been exhibited globally in prominent venues, including the Saatchi Gallery (London), ZKM Karlsruhe, and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (Seoul). His pieces are part of major museum and private collections worldwide.
Website : www.michaelnajjar.com
Instagram : studio_michaelnajjar
What’s up :
He currently exhibits at Fotografiska in Stockholm : SPACE – A Visual Journey
Fotografiska Stockholm (until March 2nd 2025)
Upcoming Exhibitions and Collaborations:
- PAN Amsterdam with ARTITLEDcontemporary : A prominent art fair running from November 24 to December 1, 2024, focusing on contemporary and modern art, antiques, and design.
- Horizonte e Límite at Caixa Forum Sevilla : This exhibition emphasizes conceptual boundaries and perspectives, slated for early 2025.
- Art Basel Miami Beach with BANK : One of the most prestigious art fairs globally, taking place in December 2024, featuring Najjar among high-profile artists.
- Civilization – The Way We Live Now at Kunsthalle Munich : Scheduled for Spring 2025, this exhibition explores the complexity of contemporary society through a multi-artist lens, including Najjar’s work.
Your first photographic trigger ?
Michael Najjar : A Polaroid SX-70 camera, that I got at the age of 14.
The man or woman of image who inspired you?
M.N. : Stanley Kubrick.
The image you would have liked to take (and image from someone else, or an image you missed)?
M.N. : The launch of Apollo 11.
The one that moved you the most?
M.N. : The first picture I took of my son after his birth.
And the one that made you angry?
M.N. : No idea.
Which photo changed the world?
M.N. : “Earth Rise” by William Anders (Apollo 8).
And which photo changed your world?
M.N. : The same.
What interests you most in an image?
M.N. : The invisible parts.
What is the last photo you took ?
M.N. : Let ́s say the last “relevant” picture – gigantic melting icebergs in Greenland.
A key image in your personal pantheon?
M.N. : “Pale Blue Dot”, the Voyager I probe took a picture from the Earth from a distance of about 6 billion km.
A photographic memory from your childhood?
M.N. : Can ́t tell any, as I am not sure if these are real memories or photographic memories.
According to you, what is the necessary quality to be a good photographer?
M.N. : The ability of reconstructing the relationship between space and time.
What makes a good photo?
M.N. : Reducing the visual content to the essen7als.
The person you would like to photograph?
M.N. : Jean-Paul Belmondo together with Alain Delon.
An indispensable photo book?
M.N. : My new book “outer space v2”.
The camera of your childhood?
M.N. : Canon AE-1.
The one you use today?
M.N. : Hasselblad H6D.
How do you choose your projects ?
M.N. : By curiosity and passion for the topic.
How would you describe your creative process?
M.N. : Reading – thinking – creating – shooting – digital reconstruction – large scale printing.
An upcoming project that’s close to your heart?
M.N. : My upcoming survey show at the Shanghai Glass Museum in November 2025.
Your favorite drug?
M.N. : Adventure travels.
The best way to disconnect for you ?
M.N. : Spending hours fighting on the tennis court.
What is your personal relationship to the image ?
M.N. : I like the oscillation between reality and simulation.
Who would you like to be photographed by ?
M.N. : Nick Night.
Your latest folly?
M.N. : Jumping (almost) naked into the arctic ocean.
An image to illustrate a new banknote?
M.N. : My artwork “starbase”, which pictures the new Starship launchpad by night. It is the most futuristic place on Earth.
If you would not have been a photographer ?
M.N. : I would have been a 16th century explorer.
The job you would not have liked to do ?
M.N. : No idea.
Your greatest professional extravagance?
M.N. : Flying into space with Virgin Galactic.
What question could get you off track?
M.N. : If I tell you this, I will be asked this question in the next interview.
What was the last thing you did for the first time?
M.N. : Walking over the Greenland Ice Sheet.
The city, the country or the culture you dream of discovering?
M.N. : The Moon.
The place you never get tired of ?
M.N. : The tennis court.
Your biggest regret ?
M.N. : Not buying Apple shares when I was a young student.
In terms of social networks, are you more into Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or Twitter and why?
M.N. : Instagram, this is time consuming enough.
Color or B&W?
M.N. : Both, however before switching to digital I loved shooting on B&W films.
Daylight or artificial light?
M.N. : That really depends on the topic, I work inside as much as outside.
Which city do you think is the most photogenic?
M.N. : Singapore.
If God existed would you ask him to pose for you, or would you opt for a selfie with him?
M.N. : I would ask him to disappear immediately.
If I could organize your ideal dinner party, who would be at the table?
M.N. : Stanley Kubrick, Ridley Scott, William Gibson, Vilem Flusser and Elon Musk.
The image that represents for you the current state of the world?
M.N. : My artwork “arctic elegy” – a former stabile system is transforming and collapsing.
According to you, what is missing in today’s world?
M.N. : A positive and visionary look into the future.
If you had to start all over again?
M.N. : I would do exactly the same.
What do you like people to say about you?
M.N. : He made a picture that changed my world.
The one thing we absolutely must know about you?
M.N. : I am an early bird, I love to be at the studio at 7am in the morning and create new work.
A last word ?
M.N. : No, this interview was already too long!!
