MELBOURNE, 25 November 2023: The cosmos remains a riddle since time immortal. The age of science since the launch of the Sputnik by the Soviet Union on 4 October, 1957 and following space missions by different countries ushered in many explanations. Despite this the aura of heavens remains largely a mystery. Why are we there? Are we alone? and much more. Astronomical photography gives us some idea of the celestial wonders and situations that keep emerging, though much of the deep questions remain unanswered.
Museum of Australian Photography’s (MAPh’s) ‘Stargazing’ exhibition brings together a selection of contemporary photographs that guide us towards the stars, the planets and celestial spaces in poetic, experimental, playful, conceptual, and often in abstract ways. Entering the rather darkish exhibition with many displayed photographs, one encounters baffling images of the heavens and Earth, both in b/w and colour. As if the stars are colliding with humans in a dark cosmos.
The 13 artists in the exhibition use their work to allude to the history of astronomical photography and the significant role the medium plays in the documentation of ethereal realms. At the same time, they acknowledge its limitations, pushing traditional boundaries of photography to go beyond literal depictions of the heavens above. They evoke, transform and play with celestial scenes in order to explore the cosmos, experimenting with photographic process and technique – often incorporating analogue technologies and archival imagery. Delving into ideas about the universe and our place within it from felt, imagined and self-referential perspectives, these artists encourage the viewer to reflect on environmental issues; identity and spirituality; time, memory and mortality; as well as photography itself.
Showing works from MAPh’s significant collection of Australian photographs alongside loans from artists, Stargazing features work by Amos Gebhardt, Michaela Gleave, Anna Higgins, Harry Nankin, Trent Parke, Luke Parker, Patrick Pound, Michael Riley, Kate Robertson, David Stephenson, Christian Thompson, Zan Wimberley and Jemima Wyman.
The exhibition launch today saw a big crowd of photography lovers present. The curator, Stella Loftus-Hills said, ” Photography has been used to document worlds above the earth’s surface since its inception; and it continues to be employed as a scientific tool to aid in our understanding of the cosmos. The medium’s ability to encapsulate the mysteries and vastness of the universe, however, is inherently limited. In fact, only in our imaginations can we truly conjure such visions. It is with this in mind that the artists in Stargazing adopt alternative photographic techniques and visual points of reference, challenging our expectations while exploring our connection to the heavens.
‘Encouraging us to reflect on the universe and our place within it, this exhibition considers the cosmos from an imaginative yet earthly perspective. Despite lofty allusions, the themes within remain tightly connected to humanity and the planet in which we live.
Exhibition dates – 25 November 2023 – 18 February 2024
Gallery – Museum of Australian Photography
Address: 860 Ferntree Gully Road
Wheelers Hill Victoria 3150 Australia
Phone +61 3 8544 0500
Site – https://maph.org.au/
Free entry
