Christian Huff-Johnston

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Natasha Mitchell |Claire Slattery |Christian Huff-Johnston |David Le May

It's been called a coming-of-age story for a nation. The Whitlam Government's purchase of Jackson Pollock's Blue Poles in 1973 helped to bring down the government. So how did this abstract expressionist masterpiece become the most famous, most controversial artwork in Australia? Then: how does political portraiture affect how we feel about politicians — and how we vote? Jacqueline Maley looks at The Art in the Optics — and explains why political portraiture is more important than ever today.

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Natasha Mitchell |Claire Slattery |Christian Huff-Johnston |David Le May

Two thousand years ago, life in Pompeii stood still when Mount Vesuvius erupted, preserving the town in volcanic ash for centuries. Today, this ancient Roman city captures the imagination like few others. This event was recorded at the National Museum of Australia on 14 December 2024.

Nov 20, 2024 | abc.net.au | Natasha Mitchell |Claire Slattery |Christian Huff-Johnston |David Le May

The federal government wants to restrict social media to Australians aged over 16. But will it work? Hear from the adults and kids in the know as they debate the arguments for and against. The Great Debate was presented by the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia as part of Social Sciences Week, recorded at the National Library of Australia on 10 September 2024.

Oct 24, 2024 | abc.net.au | Natasha Mitchell |Claire Slattery |Christian Huff-Johnston |David Le May

Democracy is in retreat, authoritarianism on the rise. But this has happened before. So how did big thinkers of the past respond to the threats to democracy, and what can we learn from them? The Humanities Research Centre 50th Anniversary Distinguished Lecture was recorded at the Australian National University on 31 July 2024.

Oct 23, 2024 | abc.net.au | Natasha Mitchell |Claire Slattery |Christian Huff-Johnston |David Le May

When you're swimming in the ocean, do you ever startle at a piece of seaweed? Mistake a wave for a fin? Does the thought of sharks cross your mind at all? Nearly 50 years ago, a little movie by the name of Jaws, changed everything. This event was recorded at the National Film and Sound Archive, in partnership with the Australian National University, on 28 February 2024.