The National Museum of Australia in Canberra has unveiled its latest exhibit, "Voyage: Experience the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings of Southeast Asia," a compelling blend of 19th-century artistry and cutting-edge technology. This international debut digital installation brings amazing 19th-century pictures to life, providing a glimpse into Southeast Asia's tremendous biodiversity.
The William Farquhar Collection, a collection of 477 watercolour drawings commissioned by William Farquhar, demonstrates the artistic skill of Southeast Asian talent. Farquhar, a British East India Company officer and Singapore's first Resident and Commandant, was attracted by the region's animals and vegetation. The illustrations contain stunning depictions of animals such as the rhinoceros hornbill, cowtail stingray, flower crab, Malayan tapir, climbing perch, and zebra dove.
Dr. Mathew Trinca, Director of the National Museum of Australia, shared his excitement in bringing this unique digital experience to Canberra. "This is an excellent example of how modern technology can capture and enhance physical drawings from the past," he added. Dr. Trinca also expressed excitement about potential cooperation with the National Museum of Singapore.
The relationship between the National Museum of Australia and Singapore's National Museum provides a chance to communicate Singapore's history with a worldwide audience. "Collaborations with esteemed partners like the National Museum of Australia allow us to bring stories of Singapore to the world, and more importantly, advance cultural understanding and exchanges," said Ms. Chung May Khuen, Director of the National Museum of Singapore.
"Voyage" goes beyond static exhibitions, introducing a variety of botanical and zoological species and animating them to life using cutting-edge technology. The show pays homage to Farquhar's vision, who commissioned these pieces from local Chinese painters during his time in Malacca. The animations, paired to a specially commissioned soundtrack, create an engaging tale that combines scientific documentation with artistic storytelling.
The four-minute animated experience features 30 pieces, with the remainder 447 accessible via a digitised touch screen. This one-of-a-kind method strives to immerse visitors in the spirit of discovery that characterised the era of British East India Company officials in Southeast Asia. The exhibit debuted on September 28, coinciding with the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between the National Museum of Australia and Singapore's National Heritage Board. This pact, first inked in 2015, reaffirms their commitment to ongoing collaboration over the following five years.
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