Sunday, October 30, 2022

Precious Metal: Gold Across Space and Time
Syracuse University Art Museum

Syracuse University Art Museum, Shaffer Art Building
Syracuse University, Syracuse

On August 17, 2017, scientists around the world and at Syracuse University witnessed the collision of two neutron stars that resulted in the production of gold, platinum, and other heavy metals in space. Celebrating the fifth anniversary of this momentous discovery, this exhibition considers how people have exploited gold's unique physical properties to make art and to convey ideas about spirituality, power, and opulence.

This exhibition was organized in partnership with Stefan Ballmer (Physics, College of Arts and Sciences), Duncan Brown (Office of Research, Office of Academic Affairs; Physics, College of Arts and Sciences), Steven Penn (Physics, Hobart and William Smith Colleges), Romita Ray (Art and Music Histories, College of Arts and Sciences), Daniel Sarmiento (Special Collections Research Center), and Irina Savinetskaya (Special Collections Research Center).