Mesmerising images of the BRICS+ countries as seen from space are amongst those captivating visitors to the BRICS Universe exhibition, an extensive collection of over 600 works from 90 photographers, currently on display at the Russian Cultural Centre in Beijing.
The photography exhibition, part of a bigger series highlighting UNESCO Creative Cities in the BRICS countries, includes images taken by Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Ivan Vagner from the International Space Station.
At the exhibition’s opening ceremony, Kud-Sverchkov expressed the desire of every cosmonaut to capture images that resonate with their home town or country and emphasised the challenges of capturing the perfect photo from space.
Russia, who is a founding member of the BRICS group, initiated the project to transcend national boundaries temporarily and allow the audience to appreciate the uniqueness of human civilisation from a captivating image taken in space. Kud-Sverchkov further expressed his interest in capturing the beauty of BRICS countries if given the opportunity to do so on the Chinese space station.
BRICS represents over 40 percent of the world’s population and 30 percent of the global landmass, enhancing the significance of the exhibition. The minister-counsellor and permanent representative to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Secretariat, Natalia Stepkina, expressed Russia’s full support for this humanistic project.
The project combines the wonders of Earth, captured by Russian astronauts, with the most beautiful cities of BRICS countries, photographed by professionals from both space and Earth. The initiative aims to deepen friendships and mutual understanding amongst the people of these countries.
Moscow took over the BRICS rotating presidency on January 1, welcoming the inclusion of new members in the BRICS alliance, namely Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia. Kud-Sverchkov expressed his intention to capture more photographs of these expanding BRICS countries to share their unique cultures with the world, highlighting the beauty of our planet and the desire to showcase it to a global audience.
The exhibition offers a dual perspective, allowing visitors to see the same locations from both the vantage point of ordinary people and the unique viewpoint from space, approximately 400 kilometres above the Earth. Kud-Sverchkov shared his experiences through a video clip, providing insights into his life on the International Space Station during the launch ceremony.
Additionally, a signing ceremony for co-operation between the Nizhny Novgorod Planetarium and Beijing Planetarium took place, further strengthening scientific and technological exchanges between the two countries.
Qi Rui, the deputy director of the Beijing Planetarium, expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration, emphasising that the exhibition serves as a visual feast that transcends borders and connects souls.
It not only stimulates the love for astronomy but also enhances scientific, technological, and cultural understanding amongst the BRICS countries. The BRICS Universe project, which includes 10 exhibitions, commenced on February 1 at the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics in Moscow and will continue its journey through nine UNESCO Creative Cities: St. Petersburg, Rio de Janeiro, Kargopol, Beijing, Nizhny Novgorod, Ulyanovsk, Mumbai, Durban, and Kazan.
In 2021, the BRICS countries signed the Agreement on Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation Cooperation, which facilitates data sharing from remote sensing satellites. This collaboration aids in achieving various goals, including disaster management and providing information support for economic and social development. Stepkina highlighted the need for cooperation amongst BRICS countries in space-related affairs, emphasising the significance of activities that bring attention to the beauty and fragility of our shared home, Earth.
Kud-Sverchkov told a Chinese photographer in a conversation about using common equipment, such as an 80-centimetre lens, to capture breathtaking photographs. He acknowledged the remarkable work of his Chinese peers, who have also captured stunning images from China’s Tiangong Space Station. The exhibition, which will run until the end of October this year, intends to inspire photographers from all over the BRICS+ family of nations to take pride in their home nations by presenting their beauty on platforms such as the BRICS Universe.
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