Melbourne enjoys a vibrant and thriving arts scene. There’s always something new to check out that will stimulate your senses and challenge your perspectives. Here are some of the diverse exhibitions on display around Melbourne this month.
1. Pierre Bonnard designed by India Mahdavi at the NGV
Until 8 October 2023, National Gallery of Victoria.
One of the twentieth century’s most beloved painters, Pierre Bonnard has been celebrated for using colour to convey emotion. See is iridescent paintings presented within immersive scenography by Paris-based designer India Mahdavi, at the National Gallery of Victoria as part of its Winter Masterpieces.
2. Tiny artwork at Beinart Gallery
16 September – 8 October 2023, Beinart Gallery, 307 Victoria Street Brunswick.
Small Works 2023 is Beinart Gallery’s eighth annual group exhibition, unveiling a stunning array of new, small-scale artworks by more than 90 accomplished artists.
3. 2023 Archibald Prize finalists at the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery
15 September – 5 November 2023, Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery.
As the first stop on the Archibald Prize 2023 regional tour and the only Victorian location, the stunning Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery will host the renowned portrait prize from 15 September to 5 November.
4. See the darker side of nature in a new way at ZOONOSES
Until 5 November 2023, Bayside Gallery, Brighton.
Dr Nicola Hooper has taken the darker side of nature and turned it into exquisite, thought-provoking art. Through drawing and lithography, Nicola uses fairy-tale iconology and rhymes to explore concepts surrounding zoonoses (animal diseases that can infect humans) and how we perceive certain animals in the context of fear and disease.
5. Celebrate maximalists at the More is More exhibition
Until 30 September 2023, Art Lovers Australia Gallery, 300 Wellington St Collingwood.
Dreams About You – Rebecca Courting, More is More Exhibition.
The More is More exhibition celebrates maximalists – artists who use more: more colour, more textures, more layers. It features a diverse range of works from Australian artists.
6. The Pianola Collection by Bronwyn Calcutt
13 September – 8 October 2023, The Resident’s Gallery, Montsalvat.
Bronwyn Calcutt is a Melbourne musician and emerging visual artist who explores the way that the languages of music and painting can interact. The artist made the discovery of some old pianola rolls in an op shop which she was able to repurpose as printing stencils onto canvas. The result is the works in this exhibition.
7. Together for our Elders – an exhibition of contemporary Indigenous art
14 September – 2 October 2023, 26 Advantage, Highett.
This wonderfully curated all-ages exhibition showcases art forms and generational storytelling from three xperience art forms and generational storytelling from three renowned Victorian First Nations Artists.
8. Angela Tiatia: The Dark Current at ACMI
Until 5 November 2023, ACMI, Federation Square.
Angela Tiatia’s video work explores migration, femininity and the intersection of digital and physical realms. Using a combination of videogame software and carefully crafted live-action scenes, Tiatia creates a hypnotic world where boundaries blur and perceptions shift. The work captures the dark and chaotic feeling of the current moment while unravelling the artist’s connection to her matrilineage and Sāmoan culture.
9. Explore themes of sexuality, fragility and identity at Within my skin
Until 7 October 2023, Arts Project Australia Collingwood Gallery.
Within My Skin explores the bodily connection and presence of the female figure within a contemporary landscape, featuring soft sculptures, paintings, photographs and drawings.
10. Cherish by Kasper Raglus
14-26 September 2023, Modern Times, Smith Street Fitzroy.
Cherish is a solo exhibition of geometric abstractions by Victorian artist Kasper Raglus, featuring a series of 20 oil paintings on ply.
11. Concrete Monstrosity
22 September 2023, Revolver Upstairs, Chapel Street Prahran.
Concrete Monstrosity – A Brutalist Architecture Photographic Exhibition is a limited time immersive photography exhibit from Nick Gascoine and David Morris which challenges the imperfections of brutalist architecture.
