Curated by SAM artistic director Danny Lacy, the exhibition features pieces from the museum’s collection with loaned artworks, and explores themes of progress, transformation and adaptation across painting, works on paper, ceramics and sculpture.
“We’re excited to welcome visitors into this space and engage in the many dialogues we’re sure will flow from it,” Mr Lacy said.
“Our community is no stranger to natural disasters; every one of us has experienced the effects of our changing climate, whether it be fire, flood or drought.
“Art is a powerful means of presenting new and diverse perspectives on society’s largest issues, and the artworks featured in The Shape of Things to Come prompt a timely conversation on our collective future.
“The reality is confronting, but it’s important to temper the dark with the light; while works from Locust Jones and Anne Wenzel examine environmental and social disasters, the cautious optimism and fragile beauty of works by Annika Romeyn and Bridget Hillebrand give us hope that we can shape the future for the better.
“The works in this exhibition truly transform the gallery, with their scale creating immersive moments that will inspire awe and reflection.”
Borrowing its title from H.G. Wells’ 1933 science-fiction novel, The Shape of Things to Come presents a look into an imagined future, where artists reflect on destruction, renewal and the role of art as both a warning and a force for change.
Among the highlights is River, a 12m-long paper sculpture by Naarm/Melbourne-based artist Bridget Hillebrand, which will be flowing down from the ceiling and is made of delicate layers of Japanese washi paper.
Also featured is The Bird Agents by Locust Jones, a large-scale work on paper making its first appearance at SAM since being acquired in 2014.
Silent Landscape, a ceramic work by German artist Anne Wenzel and winner of the 2010 Sidney Myer Fund Australian Ceramic Award, will also be on display.
Other exhibited artists include Penny Byrne, Penny Evans, Douglas Kolk, Lin Onus, John Perceval and Annika Romeyn.
The exhibition is free and located in Lin Onus Gallery. It will run until June 9.
17°C