ACYA Publication Director Shines His Curatorial Expertise in The Australian Embassy in China

Bob Fang, ACYA national executive publication director, shined his curatorial expertise in the Australian Embassy in China. Bob Fang is the co-curator and the visual designer of “Starry Starry Night – Southern Hemisphere Astronomy Exhibition”.

Starting in the Australian Consulate General Shanghai and touring multiple international schools in Shanghai, the exhibition was unveiled at the Australian Embassy in China, Beijing, on 11^th May, after China’s Golden Week holiday.

As a feast of Australia-China cultural communication, key diplomatic and higher educational sector figures attended the opening event: H E Mr. Scott Dewar (Australian Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China), Dr Amanda Barry (Director of Future Students at the ANU), Shen Zhiqiang (Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences), Ms Carolyn Atkinson (Counsellor (Public Affairs), Australian Embassy in Beijing), Nancy Yu (Director of the Australian National University China Centre). ANU China Centre also invited over 80 alumni from ANU and other Australian universities to join this event.

The exhibition started with the introduction written by Professor Brian P. Schmidt, the 12^th Vice-Chancellor and President of ANU and Distinguished Professor of Astronomy of ANU. The exhibition features 15 captivating photography works alongside published interviews sourced from ANU Discovery.

When conceptualizing an exhibition, Bob’s goal is to bring the stories of the content creators to the forefront. Beyond the showcased pieces, he hopes the visitors are naturally curious about the motivations, inspirations, and challenges that propelled the creators. With this in mind, this exhibition not only showcases stunning photographs of the universe but also includes two special sections that illuminate the research narratives of two distinguished ANU astronomy scientists: Dr. Brad Tucker and Prof Susan Scott. Dr Brad and his team shot those exhibited photos using the telescopes in ANU Observatories. Professor Susan Scott is the Distinguished Professor of Theoretical Physics at ANU. She is also the first Aussie who won the prestigious Pascal medal. As ANU’s dedicated scientists, the stories of those ANU researchers could inspire more people to find the secret of space.

Bob endeavors to uncover the narrative thread that ignites the imagination and invites further exploration. Each upward glance toward the expansive night sky signifies the beginning of a story waiting to unfold. Whether marvelling at the grandeur of the Milky Way above or observing the intricate life forms thriving on our beloved Earth below, the interconnectedness of our existence becomes apparent.

“We are not alone. In this cosmic tapestry, we discover our interconnectedness with the cosmos, sharing space with celestial bodies and terrestrial creatures alike,” Bob Fang said. “Starry Starry Night” is not merely an exhibition of astronomical marvels; it is a reflection of our collective journey of self-discovery, where philosophy sprouts, and wisdom grows. The exhibition itself demonstrates the passion of both ordinary people and academia’ for the beauty and the mystery of the far-end space.

If you want to view more information about this exhibition in Chinese, please click the link below:

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/i-KbuSLxfN--GAreZQxHjQ