In 1950, British Astronomer Sir Fred Hoyle speculated that “once a photograph of the Earth, taken from outside, is available, we shall, in an emotional sense, acquire an additional dimension … and a new idea as powerful as any in history will be let loose.”
Hoyle’s statement epitomises the immense anticipation that was felt in the mid-20th century when the race to send people into space was in full swing. When in 1969 the first humans stepped foot on the moon, it was the photographs and video footage of this monumental event that disseminated back to an expectant audience on earth and that visualised the reality of this epic feat of science, engineering and human imagination. These images both dispelled and created myths about space travel and astronomy.
This exhibition shows photography’s ability to capture extra dimensions, sometimes revealing more than the human eye could otherwise see. The photographs depict actual space travel, in the form of archival images from N.A.S.A.; imagined space travel and psychedelic images of altered perceptions. It will focus in particular on the period of the 1960s and 1970s, as a particularly exciting time for the artistic and scientific exploration of outer and inner space.
Online bookings Student Programs and Professional Learning
Phone 03 8620 2340 weekdays 12–5pm
Fax 03 8620 2550
Email edu.bookings@ngv.vic.gov.au
NGV Schools Access Support is available for programs. Conditions apply.
Inner and Outer Space
Recommended for Yr 7 – 12
Explore the exhibition and focus on the diversity of images and the meaning and messages conveyed.
Cost $6 (45 mins)
Exhibition Connections
Top Arts and Light Years: Photography and Space
VCE
Thu 14 May, 9.45am–3.30pm
Intensive VCE students focus programs including lectures and exhibition viewing.
Cost $12
International Year of Astronomy
In 2009 the world will celebrate the International Year of Astronomy. This year marks the 400 year anniversary of Galileo’s first observations of the universe through a telescope, as well as the 40 year anniversary of man taking first steps on the moon. Both Shared Sky and Light Years exhibitions provide many curriculum opportunities to mark these astronomical events.
Please visit the NGV website and IYA website for further information on program links, events and resources.
