We tend to think of evolution as a biological process of rising complexity that began with single-celled organisms here on earth, but the universe has been undergoing a cosmic evolution of growing complexity from the very beginning.

Before there could be cells, there needed to be complex molecules and an array of elements to make them. The earliest known events of the universe generated only a few of the lightest elements: hydrogen, helium, and trace amounts of lithium. Until the first stars formed and began fusing protons and neutrons into larger nuclei the universe was devoid of heavier elements, including the carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen of which we are made. Other processes took these elements and bonded them into basic amino acids and other molecular building blocks of life as we know it.

Biological evolution on our planet is thought to be nearly as old as the Earth, but the complexity that made it possible has been accumulating since time began.
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In this image, the thread of gas and dust that grows from the left and reaches a crescendo at the right represents the growth of complexity through time. Also featured is a developing galaxy, early massive hot blue stars fusing heavier elements, a supernova explosion spreading heavier elements into space, a new star and protoplanetary disk enriched with elements, and a newly formed earth-like planet in the bottom right. The figure, an allegory of rising complexity, wears a necklace featuring a carbon atom and her hairpiece is a model of a basic amino acid that has been found abundantly in outer space. These are the building blocks of life ready for biological evolution to begin!

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This print measures 12 x 16 inches plus a half inch white border. Shipped rolled and well protected inside a tube by USPS mail. Frame not included.

This is a high quality print of an original oil painting. It is printed with archival, pigmented inks on fine matte finish paper and lightly signed at the lower right. I put a lot of time into making sure my prints look great and I get lots of compliments on them!

Please note that color and brightness vary on all devices and may appear differently on your screen.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

Rob Rey Art retains all rights to the image, do not copy without permission. Watermarks and copyright notices will not appear on your print.