Monthly museum news from the University of Sydney
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This is our second edition of Muse Extra, the digital sister publication to our printed magazine. How the world has changed dramatically since the March issue! We're looking at how we can continue to deliver museum stories and experiences to you online, so make sure you're connected to us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. The construction of our new Chau Chak Wing Museum is continuing to schedule and we look forward to seeing you soon, though it will likely be a digital encounter.
Building exterior revealed
Dr Paul Donnelly discusses the latest on-site developments.
University of Sydney
COVID-19 update
Recent advice and decisions from the University.
Free collection image Zoom backgrounds
We've put together a pack of 10 background images to use in your next Zoom meeting!
Choose bat wings from our natural history collection, a stunning artwork or a 19th century visit to the Parthenon.
Nicholson history lecture now online
Dr Craig Barker, Candace Richards and Dr James Fraser discuss the Nicholson Collection's origins, 20th century expansions, rebirth as a modern teaching museum and future in the Chau Chak Wing Museum.
Museum staff in the media
- Matt Poll's new art project at Westmead
- Anthony Gill's Bloody Perchlet research
- Jamie Fraser on ABC RN Late Night Live
- Craig Barker's monthly ABC Radio segment
Can You Dig It is back this Sunday night with Rhianna Patrick
Collection item of the month
In this time of staying in our homes it is quite charming to think of artist Alan Sonfist collecting samples of earth from all over Sydney. Thinking ahead to Earth Day on 22 April, we thought this was the perfect work upon which to ponder being together in this pandemic globally, while individually being confined to our own houses, backyards and blocks.
Alan Sonfist was part of the 'land art' movement, which identified with the 1970s environment movement. For Sonfist, the problem was not only that industrial humans no longer understood nature and their place, but humans had forgotten how to see nature. His work sought to remediate this condition.
The Earth of Sydney consists of 40 panels of soil impressions taken from around Sydney, including Paddington, Rozelle, Dee Why and Glebe. You'll be able to see it on exhibition when the Chau Chak Wing Museum opens!
Artwork: Alan Sonfist, The Earth of Sydney, 1981. Earth, sand, pebbles, glue on duck canvas on stretcher. Partial gift of the artist, Alan Renshaw bequest, purchased 2018. University Art Collection.
Image details (in order of appearance)
1. [Group of nurses wearing masks], photographer unknown, 1919, Macleay Collections.
2. Chau Chak Wing museum under construction
3. University of Sydney Quadrangle buildings
4. Zoom meeting
5. Dr James Fraser
6. Matt Poll
7. Alan Sonfist, The Earth of Sydney, 1981. Earth, sand, pebbles, glue on duck canvas on stretcher. Partial gift of the artist, Alan Renshaw bequest, purchased 2018. University Art Collection.
