In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Monash Gallery of Art (MGA) has commissioned four leading Australian artists – Peta Clancy, Lee Grant, Ponch Hawkes and David Rosetzky – to explore the City of Monash by responding to key issues facing the community. From local Indigenous sites of significance and the migrant experience to homelessness and the LGBTQIA+ community, they provide a reflection of the city as a microcosm of the nation.
‘Ponch, Lee, Peta and David have created bodies of work that uniquely responds to MGA, the photographic medium and our community. Importantly, these new bodies of work add our local community’s lived experiences to the cultural record with work that resonates with, reflects and speaks to our locality and heritage.’ – Anouska Phizacklea, MGA Director.
Lee Grant, Nyangak ‘Lizzy’ (Sudan Bachelor of Commerce student and volunteer youth advocacy worker), at home, Mulgrave, 2019, from the series ‘From there to here: migrant journeys to Monash’. pigment ink-jet print, 100 x 100cm. Courtesy the artist
The commission provides a powerful platform for people to share their stories, which builds awareness of the individual’s experience as they present their truth and the challenges they face. In doing so, MGA becomes a safe place for respectful discourse which leads to greater understanding, profile and advocacy. Accompanying the exhibition will be education and public engagement programs to encourage an inclusive and celebrated community.
Monash Gallery of Art
15 February to 5 July 2020 (extended)
Melbourne
