In Douglas Adams’ 1979 sci-fi comedy novel The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, a supercomputer called Deep Thought is programmed to find the answer to the "ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything." Its simple answer, "42," is now a legendary response to the complicated, philosophical question posed and it has been cemented in popular culture through references in TV shows such as Star Trek, Dr. Who, and The X-Files.

In celebration of his retirement from TCU, Dick Lane, Professor and Director of the School of Art, considers Deep Thought’s answer and offers his own response to the question of life through a selection of 42 artworks and objects from his practice. "The Answer is 42" features historic and contemporary photographs, antique cameras, and photo-sculptures as Lane celebrates a personal way finding for life based on his own experiences of seeing and being in the world.

Lane presents an exhibition that considers the scientific history of photography while simultaneously celebrating serendipity found in alternative creative processes that adjust our understanding of color, time and space.