Cosmos Archaeology 宇宙考古

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April
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Swissnex in China has collaborated with EPFL Pavilions and the Shanghai Astronomy Museum to launch a unique exhibition that showcases the wonders of the cosmos. The exhibition will be open from May 18 to September 17, 2024, offering visitors an immersive experience that brings the vastness of astrophysics data into tangible reality. Each installation within the exhibition presents a unique perspective on our understanding of the universe and invites visitors to become cosmic archaeologists, unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos.

Introduction of the exhibition

Presented by Shanghai Astronomy Museum and EPFL Pavilions in collaboration with Swissnex in China, Cosmos Archaeology will bring the latest international achievements at the intersection of art and astronomy to domestic audiences.

Melding art and science, Cosmos Archaeology reveals the depths of the Universe through physical, perceptual and sensory interaction. Harnessing technologies of immersive and interactive visualization and the visual arts, the exhibition transformed the most complex astrophysical data into sounds and images that everyone can experience and understand.

The artworks featured in "Cosmos Archaeology" primarily result from the close collaboration between the humanities and astronomy. It embodies a profound fusion of artistic expression and scientific inquiry, nurturing an international discourse from a celestial vantage point.

The exhibition is co-curated by Sarah Kenderdine from EPFL’s Laboratory for Experimental Museology (eM+), Jean-Paul Kneib from EPFL’s Laboratory of Astrophysics (LASTRO), and independent Chinese curator Iris Long. It highlights collaborations between artists and prominent astronomical projects, including the MUST Telescope from Tsinghua University and the Chinese SKA Science Projects led by the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory.

The overall goal of this project is to create a platform over several months that inspires the general public about space science and facilitates in-depth dialogues and workshops between international experts on the topics of experimental museology and sustainable space. Moreover, it provides a glimpse into the latest advancements in space science research from both Switzerland and China.

This exhibition is generously supported by Beijing Yuanzhen Culture Co., Ltd, Presence Switzerland, the Department of Astronomy at Tsinghua University, the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Swissnex in China.

Swissnex in China, serving as the bridge connecting Switzerland and China in the frontier fields of science and innovation, has put forth a collaborative proposal to showcase the aforementioned exhibition at the Shanghai Astronomy Museum. Swissnex has invited Chinese curator Iris Long to curate a brand-new exhibition in China to complement the existing exhibits and engage in dialogue with the original works. The exhibition at Shanghai Astronomy Museum includes many of the installations of the original version as well as a series of artworks, curated specifically to expand the concept to a Chinese audience.

Shanghai Astronomy Museum was chosen for its innovative science and technology exhibits designed for diverse audiences, featuring advanced technology and sophisticated aesthetics. Cosmos Archaeology complements the atmosphere of the main exhibition area while also offering valuable additions to its content.

Swissnex in China’s aim with this exhibition is to challenge traditional paradigms in both popular science and contemporary art exhibitions. “We strive to strike a balance between science, art, and mass communication, hoping to enable more audiences to appreciate art through science and grasp science through art”  says Cissy Sun, Head of Academia and Arts at Swissnex in China. The Shanghai Astronomy Museum’s Director LIU has shared this vision for international exchange and collaboration and to serve as a platform for in-depth dialogue and potential collaborations. The exhibition highlights collaborations between artists and prominent astronomical projects, including the MUST Telescope from Tsinghua University and the Chinese SKA Science Projects led by the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory.

Accessing the scientific knowledge system and traditional research labs has traditionally posed challenges for artists. However, this project is bridging this gap, facilitating close collaborations between the two domains and paving the way for potential long-term residency programs. This initiative has resulted in the commissioning of two artworks, one from Tsinghua University and the other from SHAO, marking a significant milestone in interdisciplinary cooperation.

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