Photo - James Lemon

A Cabinet Of Curiosities In This New Exhibition

See stunning ceramics and visual art pieces taking a contemporary approach to ancient treasures in this group show curated by Glenn Barkley.

Writer
Amelia Barnes
6th of August 2019

The Curiosities is a group show highlighting 19 artists’ contemporary take on Wunderkammern, also known as cabinets of curiosities, that arose in mid-16th century Europe. 

Items in these original collections (that were precursors to museums) were fantastical and exotic, combining specimens, diagrams, and illustrations. Few genuine items remain today because their precious metal and jewelled elements were often melted down or incorporated into even more elaborate and expensive works.

Back in 2019, this current show has been curated by Glenn Barkley, co-founder of The Curators’ Department, (you can view our visit to his studio here!) to reconsider the beauty, context, and history of original Wunderkammern.

Other artists participating in this show include artist and curator Tess Allas, visual artist Stephen Benwell, silversmith and jeweller Julie Blyfield, ceramicist Kirsten Coelho, painter and ceramicist Angela Brennan, David Doyle, clay artist Isabella Edwards, visual artist Penny Evans, ceramicist Patsy Hely, ceramic sculptor Virginia Leonard, ceramicist Tantri Mustika (whose work is pictured), Janice Ng, ceramic sculptor Sassy Park, multi-disciplinary artist Jason Phu, ceramicist David Ray, visual artist Ebony Russell, Japanese-Australian artist Ema Shin, and ceramic artist Vipoo Srivilasa.

The Curiosities is part of Craft Victoria’s Craft Cubed Festival, funded by the City of Melbourne. Click here to view the full festival program!

The Curiosities – Curated By Glenn Barkley
Monday, August 6th–Saturday, August 31st
(Opening drinks Thursday, August 8th 6-8pm)
Mailbox Art Space
141-143 Flinders Lane
Melbourne, Victoria

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