Curatorial Rationale – The Universe at Large
At present, in today’s world, a pattern of an increasing disconnect between society and scientific discovery has begun to arise. As of July 2011, the United States, being a prime example due to the similarities and ties Australia has with its ally, have shutdown their space shuttle program, which was accompanied by a an opinion poll detailing that just 10 percent of American citizens believe there should be more spent on space exploration, 49 percent thinking the same should be spent, 23 percent believing they should spend less, with 6 percent believing NASA and the space program should be scrapped altogether (Whittington, 2011). This was followed by the unsuccessful motion made in the U.S. congress to scrap the innovative Hubble telescopes successor, the James Webb Space Telescope (Lemonick, 2012). What this demonstrates, as previously stated, is the divide between society and science, in particular the exploration of space and the Universe.
The Universe at Large is a proposed exhibition which illustrates the intrinsic beauty and colossus of the universe inside of which we live. The exhibition aims to connect with the audience in such a way that will bring back and brighten the spirit of discovery and inquisitiveness which pushed humanity towards space exploration in the 1960’s.
The exhibition involves the use of images and videos produced by The European Space Station (ESA) and Hubble, who have allowed there images and videos to be reproduced under the creative commons act (Hubble)The Universe at Large is the beginning of what will become a yearly occurring exhibition, which will celebrate and revel the awe of where we are and how we came to be, promoting a melting pot of free thinkers and inquisitors.
Analysis
Taking the physical art space into consideration . Brian O'Doherty recognises this, establishing that