Palseographia; an exhibition blending science and art

Abstract

The exhibition Palseographia was developed for the First International Palàeontological Congress. It consisted of original Australian fossil specimens juxtaposed with scientific illustrations and interpretive artworks in a variety of media. It illustrated Australia's palàeontological heritage. The linkage between science and art triggered positive comments by visitors. The exhibition was popular with families and school groups and provided an opportunity to develop education programmes that incorporated both art and science elements. The exhibition was therefore a mechanism for introducing a new audience to the gallery experience. An exhibition like this could only be developed in a University. The complex and diverse nature of its intellectual base allows a fertile collaboration between groups that rarely work together elsewhere. It was also a good example of how a University Gallery can promote the endeavours of its scientists to a broader audience.

A exposiçâo Palseographia foi realizada a propòsito do Primeiro Congresso Paleontològico International e consistivi na integraçâo diversificada e multimédia de fósseis originârios da Australia com documentos de ilustraçâo cientïfica e objectos de arte. O objectivo de Palseographia foi o de ilustrar o patrimònio paleontològico australiano. As explicitas relaçôes entre ciancia e arte estabelecidas na exposiçâo suscitaram reacçôes muito positivas por parte dos visitantes. Palaaographia teve grande sucesso junto de familias e de grupos escolares, desencadeando frutuosas oportnidades para o desenvolvimento de programas educacionais que incorporassent elementos artîsticos e cientificos. Palaeographia constituiu assim um importante instrumento para a captaçâo e fidelizaçâo de novas audiências para a Galeria de Arte da Universidade de Macquarie (Nova Gales do Sul, Australia).