Codex Lucidum by Lisa Miles

On February 21, 2021, an American Airlines pilot on Flight 2292 reported seeing “a long cylindrical object… moving really fast right over the top of us” while flying over Northeastern New Mexico. This hand-beaten bark paper book reimagines that day and the unidentified aerial phenomenon cruising at top speed above the high desert. Staring upwards at the vast sky, observers may question or doubt what they have seen. Fear of the stigma associated with discussing extraterrestrial sightings often compels witnesses to remain silent about their experiences. Meanwhile, new footage of unexplained phenomena filmed by U.S. military personnel gets leaked every day. This codex is a tangible record of that event and an invitation for those who have had similar encounters to share their stories. You are not alone. If you see something, say something.

From the artist:

In my process, I meditatively “draw” with naturally-dyed kozo fiber. The image isn’t created on top of the paper; it is the paper. Inspired by ancient Aztec and Maya papermaking traditions, I have innovated the technique to produce imagery that is composed face-down during the wet stages of the formation process. The fiber is then hand-beaten with a volcanic stone on a wood board and air-dried. The slightly-abstracted composition is revealed when the dried sheet is released from the board. Made entirely of plants, I think of my undulating landscapes as “...a way for the universe to know itself.” (Carl Sagan)