Passage: The Art of Atong Atem is a world-premiere exhibition celebrating the thought-provoking work of South Sudanese-born Melbourne-based contemporary artist Atong Atem. Opening at NGV on October 30, this major solo exhibition brings together more than 65 works spanning the past decade, including a new commission created exclusively for the gallery.
Born in Ethiopia to South Sudanese parents, Atem moved to Australia with her family in 1997. Known for her striking photographic self-portraits, Atem transforms herself through colourful textiles, paint, costume and symbolic objects to explore identity, race, gender and colonialism. Her images weave together history, memory and imagination, celebrating the resilience of her Dinka Bor culture and Melbourneâs African diaspora while challenging how identity is represented and performed. Her work honours cultural traditions and ancestral stories that have endured displacement and war.
A highlight of the exhibition is As Above, a large-scale wall installation exploring the stories held in the skies and constellations. Blending Dinka dance, traditional beading and Catholic iconography, the world-premiere commission brings together different cultural traditions in a striking visual narrative.
The exhibition also presents Banksia (2021), a photographic series made at Melbourneâs Immigration Museum that turns the spotlight on African, African American and Caribbean convicts and free settlers who arrived with the First Fleet. ...
Summer is almost here, which means we're enjoying the warmer weather, later nights and rooftop sunset tipples are on the horizon. There are plenty of festivals, shows and exhibitions, for those looking to get off the couch and make the most of their weekend.
A new Banksy exhibition is opening in Melbourne this weekend, with over 250 displays of sculptures, artworks, installations – and even a hologram. It's set to be a huge hit, and makes for a great weekend activity with the kids.
If you're looking for a fun, free event that leans into wellness, KIC's weekly newsletter The Ritual is hosting a two-hour writing workshop at Lenny's Wine Room. There's free coffee, sweet treats, and a guided writing workshop for people who are interested in incorporating writing and journalling into their wellness routine, but aren't sure how to put pen to paper. You'll also hear from three panellists, Jasmine Wallis, Amanda Gunn and Steph Simons, three successful writers within the industry, and get to network with likeminded individuals – as well as go home with a piece of written work that you're proud of! RSVP is essential, and spots are limited to 50. You can find out more and secure your place here.
If you want to bust out of the city, here are the best places near Melbourne to see gorgeous spring blooms – think roses, tulips and wildflowers.
Remember, you can always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of the best things to do in Melbourne before you die.
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