MRAG

On a weekend in February 2020, 41 Artists took to the streets across three Australian cities for the nation’s largest unsanctioned art campaign #BushfireBrandalism. Organised and realised by 41 artists, 78 advertising posters were replaced with bespoke thought-provoking images and messages. Speaking to the climate crisis, drought and bushfires, this undertaking was a direct reaction to the feelings of powerlessness experienced by the artists during the catastrophic bushfires of 2019/2020.

Artist Fiona Lee lost her family home and studio near Taree to the catastrophic bushfires in November 2019. This exhibition is a very personal, raw and challenging response to the bushfire crisis where the artist has shaped works from her home’s scorched remnants; collecting, categorising and sorting through ash and detritus from the site where her home once stood.  

Built on Wonnarua land, The Maitland Hospital is a layered place. Ancient songlines are overwritten by a patchwork of buildings from across 170 years. Corridors are imbued with the fears and hopes of large numbers of people. The smells and sounds of medical care and treatments are ever present. There are good and bad memories. There are funny and sad stories. A Conspicuous Object – The Maitland Hospital taps into these layers. Ten artists were invited to respond to stories…

Neridah Stockley is a multi-disciplinary artist  based in Alice Springs. She was the 2019 recipient of the Arts NT Creative-in-Residence at the Araluen Arts Centre and in this exhibition presents a unique body of work in response to Hermannsburg. Hermannsburg is a locally and internationally recognised chapter of inland Australia history; site of Lutheran Mission activity coupled with the Hermannsburg School of watercolour painting made famous by Albert Namatjira. It is a unique cross-cultural heritage site characterised by local landscape,…

“Storylines” is an exhibition of contemporary Australian Artists who use drawing to dissect the accepted Historical timeline of our country. Drawing by its very nature, comprises erasure and correction. “Storylines” features artists who use these actions to challenge accepted understandings of Australian History. These practitioners expand an Australian linear narrative to suggest a new, alternative or accurate understanding of our past.

The Archibald Prize 2021 exhibition is coming to MRAG! The Archibald Prize, first awarded in 1921, is the country’s favourite art award, and one of its most prestigious. Awarded to the best portrait painting, it’s a who’s who of Australian culture – from politicians to celebrities, sporting heroes to artists. Tickets will go on sale early December 2021. The Archibald Prize 2021 exhibition will travel to six venues in regional New South Wales and Victoria, offering audiences around the country…