MAGMA Galleries has transformed a double-storey warehouse space into a site-specific gallery, and their new permanent home. Located on Bedford Street in Collingwood, Melbourne, the unique architectural space was originally designed by renowned Australian architect Tom Kovac in 1995, whose work was about breaking the line by denying architecture of planes and right angles. This cutting-edge experimentation echoes the innovative, creative practices of contemporary artists today, and after twenty years occupied as an artist studio, it’s fitting that the building is now a public gallery.

ALPHA, installation view, MAGMA Galleries, Melbourne, 2022. Courtesy MAGMA Galleries, Melbourne
MAGMA Galleries contains a large exhibition space, an intimate mezzanine level for smaller shows and site-specific installations, and a stockroom viewing area. Dramatic curved architectural features, double-height ceilings, rendered brick feature walls, and skylights create abundant natural light for art viewing and a creative ambience. A balance between art, spatial design, and curation is perfectly maintained, but MAGMA knows who the true protagonist is in the space: the artist. MAGMA’s commitment to artists, supporting new works, and nurturing careers is reflected in its cross-cultural, multi-disciplinary staple of artists, public arts projects, and exhibition program.

ALPHA, installation view, MAGMA Galleries, Melbourne, 2022. Courtesy MAGMA Galleries, Melbourne
Since November, MAGMA has presented three successful exhibitions: the launch and group show ALPHA; Mike Green’s MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction); and Kim Westcott’s reference to nature and community, CHICANE. Forthcoming: MAGMA is also working with street artist Drez, who shifts the perception of public space through his exploration of colour; and is the first Melbourne gallery to work with prolific Sydney artist duo Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro, scheduled for a solo exhibition in November 2023.
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