“It’s Atomic!” by Eno Little and Jade Pinto investigates the complex legacy of nuclear power. This piece prompts reflection on how past associations with nuclear destruction shape modern perceptions of its potential as an energy source.

Using archival footage, declassified documents, and contemporary media, viewers engage with the historical moments that defined nuclear anxiety: the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Cold War tensions, nuclear accidents, and public protests. These images contrast modern advancements in nuclear technology, inviting the audience to consider how much of the fear surrounding nuclear power stems from its past rather than its present reality. 

Our work draws on discussions about the ways media shapes public perception, particularly the lingering power of imagery in constructing collective memory. Just as early atomic-age propaganda and newsreels shaped widespread fear, contemporary media continues to influence how people engage with nuclear technology today. By immersing viewers in this tension, we invite them to confront their own assumptions and consider whether our fears are rooted in history or in an unwillingness to redefine nuclear power’s role in our world.