






Nicolle Cure
Pulsar 4
8.5 x 5.5 inches
Acrylic and ink on paper
2020
"Neutron stars are among the universe’s most extreme, fascinating objects.
Some neutron stars emit beams of electromagnetic radiation as they spin, like the beam from a lighthouse pulsing at a certain frequency (hence the name “pulsars”). When converted into sound waves, these pulses can sound like a distant drum or a high-speed whirling hum. Pulsars are known as ‘music of the heavens’.
I see pulsars not only as part of our vast universe, but also as the sound patterns I hear in my head – from my inner ear / universe – a sound scientifically known as Tinnitus: Ringing, buzzing, hissing, cracking, popping, chirping, whistling… The noise can be intermittent or continuous, and can vary in loudness.
I have found purpose and joy in the chaotic beauty of experiencing sound 24/7 – A sound that I can only hear. Through my experience with Tinnitus, I have collected and illustrated sound memories that are now part of this very personal series of paintings I call Pulsars.
Just as spacecrafts can use pulsars as beacons to help them navigate around the Solar System, the sounds I hear every day are a guide and a constant reminder of being alive and of how far I have come in my healing journey."