This Artist Sent Heartbeats to Space and Made a Barbie Doll of Herself: The Story of Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian

2025-05-29 12:00:20.62

Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian, an artist, activist, and creative director, has designed experiences for NASA, Porsche, Lego, and Nike. Her wildly decorated office, a repurposed tube carriage on a Shoreditch nightclub roof, reflects her vibrant personality and diverse projects. She's created a cosmic playground in Piccadilly Circus and sent heartbeats into space. In 2012, she co-founded the International Space Orchestra, bringing together scientists and musicians. She also established the University of the Underground, a tuition-free university operating in nightclub basements. Her latest film, Doppelgängers³, explores the future of space and critiques the current billionaire-driven space race. The film features interviews with experts and a simulated space mission involving her and two doppelgangers. Ben Hayoun-Stépanian's work is driven by a desire to challenge power structures, promote diversity, and reimagine space exploration as a decolonial and pluralistic endeavor. She has also been made into a Barbie doll, reflecting her commitment to representation.