Seeing the Light: Science Communication and Art

A collaboration connecting a university’s Physics teaching and its art museum’s exhibition program has demonstrated the value of such partnerships. In the context of an upsurge in transdisciplinary art practice, and the need for scientists to develop skills in communicating science to non-specialists, a curator and a physicist implemented an innovative learning and assessment activity associated with a significant exhibition of contemporary art. Third-year physics students were tasked with selecting an artwork from the exhibition and explaining the physics in it to gallery visitors, via a short piece of writing. A selection of the best student-authored texts was displayed in the exhibition alongside the usual curatorial labels. In preparing for the task, students were given instruction and practice in writing about science for non-scientists, and provided with information about the artworks and the exhibition. The students’ writing enriched the visitor experience by establishing links between art and science. Students saw their science in a new context. The nature of this activity as an authentic task with a genuine reward – the opportunity for public, professional output – had a positive effect on student engagement with science communication. We discuss the impact of the activity and the transferability of the strategies used

Curated Exhibition: The University of Queensland National Artists’ Self-Portrait Prize 2013: remix. post. connect

remix. post. connect. explored the impulse to manipulate, present or exchange aspects of self, acknowledging that identity is unstable, and that one’s sense of self is informed by multiple, often competing, influence

Curated Exhibition: Conflict: Contemporary responses to war

The exhibition reflected on the world altering events of September 11 2001 and art made around the theme of war in the years since, examining global conflicts and more localised struggles 10/5/2014 to 7/9/201

Light Play: Ideas, Optics, Atmosphere

Light Play considered the work of contemporary artists who employ light and related technologies, and examined their practice in relation to artistic precedent

Curated Exhibition: Painting Country: Recent acquisitions of Indigenous art

Painting Country showcased Indigenous art in The University of Queensland Art Collection, revealing the artists’ continued commitment to keeping culture stron