Second Nature, Art by Atom Moore
Fitchburg State University’s Alumni’s Newest Art Exhibition
Shannon Farley -Staff Writer

Photo of “Block Euphorbia”, Art by Atom Moore, 2024. Taken by Shannon Farley
On Sept. 26, Adam “Atom” Moore, a 2005 alumnus, returned to Fitchburg State University to showcase his newest art exhibition. Moore’s work was displayed in the Sanders Hall hallway of the science building, with his art posted on both sides. Soft classical music played as people roamed the hallway. Moore stood by, watching everyone browse his work, and encouraged visitors to let him know if they had any questions. He was more than happy to talk about his art.
The exhibition was part of his newest collection titled “Second Nature.” It featured a combination of photos of watch faces merged with images of flowers and other plants. Moore hoped this project would appeal to a different audience, particularly those who might not know much about watches. He stated that he went to Wave Hill, a public garden near his home, and took pictures of plants. He later decided to combine these with photos he already had of watches, resulting in this exhibition.
Moore said this is part of a larger project that will become a book showing the steps he took to create each art piece. When asked about the inspiration for this project, he stated that he didn’t “set out with this project in mind” and that it was more of a combination of two things he already had. He mentioned that his past work had been “watch faces with watch faces,” meaning he took photos of watch faces and merged details of others with them.
The art is “dye sublimation printed onto metal,” which means it is printed onto a sheet of metal instead of canvas. This gave the pieces a subtle shine; they caught the light as you walked past, giving them a glint. Moore noted that this effect resembles a watch face. The artwork consisted of subtle meshing of flowers turned into watch faces or more straightforward combinations of plants as parts of the watch itself—such as leaves serving as the hands of a watch or the numbers. It was visually appealing and easy to understand.
Many people were eager to speak with the artist and ask him questions, the last of which was what advice he would give to aspiring artists. Moore thought for a moment and replied, “Find meditation in the type of art you want to explore.” He elaborated, “Explore what interests you and play around with it.” He emphasized that he did not enter this project with a specific goal in mind; it was just fun for him to try to represent “what it is without words.”
Atom Moore’s work appeals to both watch enthusiasts and those unfamiliar with timepieces. The exhibition was visually engaging and accessible. Speaking with Moore, his passion for his art is evident. He genuinely loves the creative process, and the event embodied that spirit.