The shape of us: recent acquisitions

This exhibition is in the Project Gallery on Level 1

The shape of us brings together a selection of works that have entered the University of Melbourne Art Collection and the Indigenous Art and Culture Collection over the past five years.

Spanning sculpture, photography, video and print, the exhibition reflects on the body, self-representation, cultural identity and the ways we live.

Seen together, the works reflect the University’s collection development priorities. They address key historical gaps through the acquisition of works by women and First Nations artists, expand the range of media, and represent a diversity of views. The exhibition also highlights the role University art collections play in supporting teaching, learning and research across all faculties and disciplines.

The works in the exhibition have been acquired through donation and with support provided by the Margaret Cooper Bequest and the Russell and Mab Grimwade Miegunyah Fund.

Participating artists: Jean Barth, Mia Boe, Mutlu Çerkez, Joe Dhamanydji, Jennifer Dikarr, Alicia Frankovich, Kait James, Helen Ogilvie, Fiona Pardington, Steven Rhall, Renee So, Thanakupi (Dr Gloria Fletcher James AO).

About the Project Gallery

The Project Gallery is a new space on Level 1 of the Potter Museum of Art, located in close proximity to our teaching and learning studios. It was established as a responsive and collaborative space to showcase interdisciplinary research, art-led student projects, and outcomes from creative residencies and academic fellowships.

A selection of works

Renee So

Woman III, 2018

Mia Boe 

Maniac Scholar, 2024

Alicia Frankovich

T-E-S-L-A- face, T-E-S-L-A- crash, T-E-S-L-A- crash face dummy II, 2023-24

Jean Barth

Stone Milker, 2024