CHALLENGING traditional conceptions of science as a separate, even incompatible domain to art is “StellrScope” – a highly creative exhibition that explores the scientific innovations in Australian wheat production over the past 100 years. Conceived by local artist Eleanor Gates-Stuart (in collaboration with CSIRO) the exhibit coincides with the Centenary celebrations and connects the Canberra region to William Farrer – the father of the Australian wheat industry.
The exhibition comprises a series of multi-media installations. On entering the space one will confront six 3D holograms that focus on different associations of wheat: be it the ultimate enemy, the weevil; or bread, the glorious end product.
Especially impressive are the two colourful hemispherical displays called “StellrLume Domes”, which invite the viewer to explore two layers of imagery – a surface projection, which might consist of an examination of wheat DNA, and an inner layer triggered by the viewer’s physical interference.
The internal layer provides glimpses into early innovations of wheat production, for example, scribblings from Farrer’s diary or tractors ploughing fields.
In a similar interactive fashion, the kid’s floor installation tracks movement when entering the imaging spectrum – again allowing a direct connection between viewer and artwork. This piece also demonstrates Questacon’s mission to achieve inter-generational appeal.
“StellrScope” provides unique and refreshing explorations into a crop has been fundamental to Australian prosperity but is not typically thought of as capturing public imagination.
The exhibition also provides insights into broader questions regarding the relationship between art, science and technology, and how these productive relationships can be used to engage a broad audience.
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