#VoicesfromtheStacks

The Star Gazer: Planisphere PoetryandLunar Volvelle, both by Monica Ong

This week we are looking at two works by book artist Monica Ong. Ong is a 2nd generation Chinese-Filipino American who was born and raised in Chicago, IL.

The Star Gazer: Planisphere Poetry depicts the Chinese night sky from the northern hemisphere. It is based on the Soochow Astronomical Chart of 1193. This star chart holds small phrases of beautiful prose weaved around constellational lines to form the poetry within this piece. Taken directly from her Proxima Vera site, there are a few steps to read this structured poem:

“To view the stars, turn the disc to align the desired date with the hour of night. Face south and hold the planisphere overhead with the corner marked North facing north. The map will reveal a celestial poem that awaits you among the asterisms. Let the eyes wander and read aloud to someone dear.”

Ong not only wrote the poetry for this piece, but she also designed the art and construction of the book, including its typesetting. She used gold foil stamping, die cutting, and had it put together by a letterpress studio in Syracuse, New York.

We have another one of her items as well, Lunar Volvelle, which can be interpreted in any way you wish and viewed in our reading room!

Happy gazing. ⭐

-Matrice Y, Special Collections Jr. Olson Graduate Assistant