PULP Reviews | The Chau Chak Wing Museum
Nicolette Petra and Irene Higgins
There was a buzz of excitement in the air at the University of Sydney this week, with the Chau Chak Wing Museum finally opening its doors on Wednesday. Amalgamating collections from the old Nicholson museum we love (#rip), the lesser known Macleay museum (who now?), and the University Art Gallery, the Chau Chak Wing Museum brings together history, science, and art (and lego!) in a renewed and re-energised way.
The big history nerds that we are, we took the liberty of being among the first to walk these new halls and point out some things to look for when you visit. Which you totally should because entry it’s freeee!
Rock Your World
Alan Sonfist’s The Earth of Sydney. Photo by Nicolette Petra.
I’ll be the first to admit, I didn’t think I would ever tear up at the sight of dirt but standing in front of Alan Sonfist’s The Earth of Sydney, I was having 👏a 👏moment👏.
Turn right upon entry and you’ll see forty squares of dirt, each from iconic landmarks in Sydney, including Centennial Park, The Rocks, and Kings Cross. While part of me wonders if it was just the exam stress that had finally got to me, the real reason I was emosh was because these were actual places I, and many of us, have set foot on and made memories on. Museums might be associated with our forebears and the archaic, but this piece made it feel as if we in the present were part of history too.
Swipe your (big) nose like a credit card
Every sensible Roman knows that the way to evaluate a person's attractiveness and status is by the size of their nose: the bigger the better! Augustus Caesar, with his iconic aquiline schnoz and magnificent marbleized chest plate, was a sight for sore eyes!
(Sea)Horsing Around
I thought seahorses were pretty cool already. A species that mate for life where the male is not only the one to fall pregnant with the offspring, but is also an active parent - can I get an amen?!
Right next to the bust of Augustus, however, the curators of CCWM had noted another amazing fact: seahorses also dance! Every morning, male and female seahorses take to promenading like legends, pirouetting as they connect with one another, before going about their very independent day. Sounds like the dream to me!
Lots o’ pots. Photo by Nicolette Petra.
Patrick Swayze from Ghost would be Impressed
Downstairs, ceramics are methodically laid out in accordance with Flinders Petrie’s sequence-date chart of Egyptian pottery. Being able to see how many of these ceramics the Nicholson Collection had been able to acquire...it really puts your Coles collectables into perspective!
The Gululu dhuwala djalkiri: welcome to the Yolŋu foundations exhibit
An amalgamation of Indigenous culture, art and heritage, the Level 4 Gululu dhuwala djalkiri: welcome to the Yolŋu foundations exhibit was something to behold. What was particularly of note was the powerful writing on the walls, the open display of artwork that was actually credited to the artist. So often collections of Indigenous artwork have been stolen with little to no regard of who and which mob created and owned that piece. To see that the ownership of these objects was appropriately labelled was truly powerful. It is of note, however, that the repatriation of Indigenous artefacts continues to be of the utmost importance for all communities.
Irene Higgins takes a stroll through the Gululu dhuwala djalkiri: welcome to the Yolŋu foundations exhibit. Photo by Nicolette Petra.
Study Rooms that are Breakdown-chic
Tired of Fisher? Can’t handle the eerie silence of the Law Library? Well, it looks like the CCWM has answered your prayers with study rooms. Get your geek on, procrastinate with friends, or schedule a cry sesh among the ancient Etruscan artefacts. These crisp-white, corporate-esque rooms scream ‘breakdown, but make it boardroom.’ There’s also a cute café for a post-meltdown feed.
Gifts to the Gods
We enjoyed the ‘Gift to the Gods’ installation mostly for its entertaining display placement. And all we have to say to that is… you wish. For those who don’t get what we mean, you’ll have to see it for yourself. 👀
The Chau Chak Wing Museum is open now at the University of Sydney. You can book a free timed entry here.