Picture of a sheet steel sculpture made by Peter von Hauerland.

Sculptures That Imagine Extinct Life Beyond Earth

Explore Galactic Fossils, a series of steel sculptures by Peter von Hauerland that reimagine the remains of extinct life forms discovered in the universe. Merging space exploration with paleontology, these futuristic artworks invite us to experience what traces of life may exist beyond Earth.

25. February, 2025 - Blog #199 - Reading time 10 Min. - Peter Von Hauerland

#Sculptures #Steel #PeterVonHauerland #Universe #Futuristic #LifeBeyondEarth

Read Full Article

Get Inspired by these Artsy Tee shirts

Modern Sculptures Made of Sheet Steel

Sculptures and Space

I create sculptures that embody the remains of extinct life forms discovered throughout the universe. I call them Galactic Fossils.

Inspired by the endless mysteries of space and the fragments of ancient life on Earth, my work explores the idea that evolution is not limited to our planet. Just as fossils reveal the history of life on Earth, Galactic Fossils imagine what remnants of life might look like if they had once existed on other worlds—planets long forgotten or moons silently orbiting distant stars.

Each sculpture is crafted from precisely cut 4mm steel, designed using advanced 3D software and brought to life through laser cutting. The raw, industrial nature of the material contrasts with the organic, almost prehistoric forms I shape—forms that feel both familiar and otherworldly. They invite the viewer to question: What if life once bloomed beyond our world and left behind traces, waiting to be found by future explorers?

My creative process merges paleontology and space exploration, two fields driven by humanity's desire to uncover the unknown. The intricate details in each piece reflect not only artistic expression but also a deeper curiosity about our place in the cosmos.

Ultimately, Galactic Fossils are more than sculptures—they are windows into imagined histories, prompting us to look beyond the boundaries of what we know. As technology pushes us further into the universe, perhaps one day these imagined fossils will no longer be purely speculative.

Thank you for exploring this vision with me. If you’re curious to see more or bring a Galactic Fossil into your space, visit my gallery and let’s continue the conversation about life, extinction, and the universe’s endless possibilities.

Peter von Hauerland

Let´s meet on Reddit

I have my own subreddit called r/galactic_fossils and you are more than welcome to come by.

Peter Von Hauerland

LATEST ARTICLES:

Art Blog #194: How I Design My Sheet Metal Sculptures: A Fusion of Space, Steel, and the Unknown

In a world where art constantly evolves, my approach to sculpture stands at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and …

Art Blog #193: Best Art Quotes by Famous Artists: Wear Inspiration Like a Badge of Honor

Some mornings, you wake up feeling like a creative genius. Other days? You stare at a blank page …

Art Blog #192: How Science Fiction Movies Shape Modern Art and Sculpture

Discover how science fiction movies like Alien, The Matrix, Ghost in the Shell, and Dune have shaped modern art and sculpture.

Art Blog #191: Cybertruck Graffiti - Vandalism or Genius Marketing?

Graffiti used to be about challenging power. Now, it’s being exploited by the very forces it was meant to resist.

LATEST ARTICLES:

Art Blog #190: You Think It, I Ink It: The Evolution of Tattoo Art as a Form of Personal Storytelling

Tattooing isn’t just about getting a cool design permanently etched onto your body—it’s a ritual, a lifestyle, and a form of self-expression.

Art Blog #189: How To Save On Art and Sculptures In 2025

et’s talk about something that’s on every art lover’s mind: how to collect stunning, meaningful, and conversation-starting art without emptying your bank account.

Art Blog #188: Elon Musk Capitalizes on Political Division in the U.S. to Revive his Struggling Cybertruck.

Once a symbol of the mid-west rural America, modern trucks have morphed into ideological statements.

Art Blog #187: Asteroid 2024 YR4: Is Earth Going to Face its Deep Impact Moment?

It sounds like the premise of a blockbuster disaster film—an asteroid is hurtling through space.

MORE ARTICLES:

Art Blog #186: Sala Giochi: The Beating Heart of Italy’s Playful Past and Present

If you’ve spent any amount of time in Italy, you’ve likely walked past a dimly lit room filled with flashing lights, the sounds of clinking coins, and a symphony of beeping machines.

Art Blog #185: How Do I Create my Cosmos Inspired Sheet Steel Sculptures

When humanity first looked up at the stars, it saw stories—gods, monsters, myths.

Art Blog #184: Who is Katie Bouman?

Do you remember the picture that went viral in April 2019, resembling a glowing cosmic donut?

Art Blog #183: Conquer Your Mornings Like Van Gogh

There’s a reason superheroes have costumes. It’s not just for show. Putting on a certain outfit flips a switch in your brain.

LIST OF BLOG ARTICLES:

Blog #198: Galactic Fossils: Paleontology Inspired Metal Sculptures Born from Dying Stars

Blog #197: I Need Space: Escaping the Noise to Protect What Matters

Blog #196: Anime Icon vs. Hollywood Reboot – A Cyberpunk Showdown

Blog #195: Why You Should Write Down Your Dreams

Blog #194: How I Design My Sheet Metal Sculptures: A Fusion of Space, Steel, and the Unknown

Blog #193: Best Art Quotes by Famous Artists: Wear Inspiration Like a Badge of Honor

Blog #192: How Science Fiction Movies Shape Modern Art and Sculpture

Blog #191: Cybertruck Graffiti - Vandalism or Genius Marketing?

Blog #190: You Think It, I Ink It: The Evolution of Tattoo Art as a Form of Personal Storytelling

Blog #189: How To Save On Art and Sculptures In 2025

Blog #188: Elon Musk Capitalizes on Political Division in the U.S. to Revive his Struggling Cybertruck.

Blog #187: Asteroid 2024 YR4: Is Earth Going to Face its Deep Impact Moment?

Blog #186: Sala Giochi: The Beating Heart of Italy’s Playful Past and Present

Blog #185: How Do I Create my Cosmos Inspired Sheet Steel Sculptures

Blog #184: Who is Katie Bouman? The Person Who Stands Behind the First Black Hole Picture

Blog #183: Conquer Your Mornings Like Van Gogh - One Shirt at a Time

Blog #182: Where is Jim Parsons Taking Us in the Next Season of Young Sheldon?

Art Blog #181: The History of NASA: A Tale of Creativity, Ambition, and the Future of Space Exploration

Art Blog #180: What is Speculative Paleontology?

Art Blog #179: Art Is Subjective: Why Your Taste Is More Valid Than You Think

Art Blog #178: Spring Styling Your Home And Wardrobe Just Got A Whole Lot Easier (And Cheaper With Our Discount Code!)

Art Blog #177: Spaghettification: The Cosmic Horror. Also, What Happens If You Try To Eat Spaghetti In Space

Art Blog #176: PlayStation Network Down: Why the Outage Exposes a Bigger Problem