Deakin University Art Gallery is currently hosting Glass, ochre, iron and mud, a striking new exhibition that celebrates creative innovation and cultural depth as part of the university’s 50th anniversary.
Curated by James Lynch, this tenth collaborative showcase with the School of Communication and Creative Arts highlights the work of four exceptional Higher Degree by Research graduates—Anindita Banerjee, Deanne Gilson, Aaron Hoffman, and Todd Johnson.
“Four distinguished artists have been invited to present current projects, reflecting the diverse perspectives emerging from Deakin’s creative research community,” said Lynch.
“While their practices and inquiries have developed independently over the last few years, the exhibition reveals the artists’ shared exploration of the complexities of contemporary identity, material knowledges and profound understandings of place.”
The exhibition spans painting, photography, performance, moving image, and sculpture, offering bold new perspectives on history, heritage, and belonging.
“Their research demonstrates an unflinching toughness and courage in confronting history,” Lynch said.
Featured artists and their work
- Anindita Banerjee (South Asian Australian artist, curator, and public art specialist) bridges West Bengal and Naarm (Melbourne) through shared architectural histories, memory, and ceremonial practices.
- Deanne Gilson (Wadawurrung artist) presents paintings of woven baskets and dilly bags filled with Indigenous plants and animals—symbols of Cultural Knowledge and Women’s Business.
- Aaron Hoffman (Naarm/Melbourne-based artist) explores intergenerational trauma, identity, and survival through installation, sculpture, and digital media.
- Todd Johnson interrogates photography’s materiality, capturing unexpected interactions between film, camera, and environment.
Glass, ochre, iron and mud is a powerful testament to Deakin’s thriving creative research community. Don’t miss this compelling exhibition, running until 6 June 2025 at the Deakin University Art Gallery 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood.
