Now open at the Deakin University Art Gallery is the exhibition Glass, ochre, iron and mud.
In a celebration of creative innovation and cultural exploration, this exhibition, curated by Deakin's James Lynch, features recent graduates as part of Deakin's 50th anniversary celebrations.
Glass, ochre, iron and mud is the tenth collaborative showcase between the Deakin University Art Gallery and the School of Communication and Creative Arts. This exhibition features four accomplished graduates, artists Anindita Banerjee, Deanne Gilson, Aaron Hoffman and Todd Johnson, from the Higher Degree by Research program.
'Four distinguished artists have been invited to present current projects, reflecting the diverse perspectives emerging from Deakin's creative research community,' Mr Lynch said.
'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 features new and distinct approaches to painting, photography, performance, moving image and sculpture.
'Their research demonstrates an unflinching toughness and courage in confronting history,' Mr Lynch said.
Featured artists:
Anindita Banerjee Is a South Asian Australian artist, curator and public art specialist. Her recent works create connections between West Bengal and Naarm Melbourne through shared architectural histories, forms of remembering and ceremonial practices.
Deanne Gilson is a proud Wadawurrung woman and an artist living and creating from her ancestral home in Ballarat, Victoria. Recent paintings by Gilson feature woven baskets and dilly bags filled with Indigenous plants and animals as motifs for carrying and the transmission of Cultural Knowledge and Women's Business.
Aaron Hoffman is an artist based in Naarm Melbourne. His creative practice spans installation, site intervention, digital media and sculpture, examining themes of intergenerational trauma, identity and survival. Through this artistic process, Hoffman creates a dialogue with his heritage while addressing the real and lived tensions between the past, cultural beliefs and identity.
Todd Johnson is an artist and lecturer who investigates the materiality of photographic images and their relationships with place. His photographs result from unexpected and surprising exchanges between the camera, colour transparency film and the physical elements of the environment.
Glass, ochre, iron and mud continues at the Deakin University Art Gallery until 6 June 2025.
Professor Simon Tormey, Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts and Education, Deakin University, will officially launch the celebration of the exhibition on Wednesday 14 May at 6 pm.
WHAT: Glass, ochre, iron and mud: Anindita Banerjee, Deanne Gilson, Aaron Hoffman and Todd Johnson
WHEN: Monday 14 April to Friday 6 June 2025
WHERE:Deakin University Art Gallery, Building FA, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood
The Deakin University Art Gallery is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and entry is free. The Gallery is closed on Public Holidays including from the 18 to 22 April inclusive and 25 April 2025.
Image caption:
Anindita Banerjee
The Third Space 2024
a series of black and white archival photographic prints on 310gsm Ilford smooth rag paper
photography by Karan Mistry
image © copyright and courtesy of the artist
