In conversation: Painting Itself / 绘画本身

Join exhibition curator Jonathan Nichols in conversation with artists Ruth Waller and Peter Alwast, and DHG Hassall Writers Fellow Quentin Sprague: Friday 22 May, 12pm

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The Drill Hall Gallery has partnered with Perth Institute of Contemporary Art to present Painting Itself 绘画本身. Curated by Jonathan Nichols the exhibition explores a horizontal culture in painting, where fundamental ideas about its history and vitality – long the influence of European and American values – are being reshaped in East and Southeast Asia. A common understanding is that painters look for the ‘face’ of their work, that aspect of a painting that looks back at them. Each of the artists in the exhibition takes on this idea, leaning into the mood and psychic processes of their own painting, with its inner constraints and struggles.

The exhibition presents the work of five artists: Jon Chan (Singapore), Un Cheng (Hong Kong), Chris Huen Sin-Kan (Hong Kong/London), Noor Mahnun (Malaysia), Tang Dixin (China).

Exhibition presented with Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts in association with ANU Drill Hall Gallery, Canberra.

Given the prolonged closure of the Drill Hall Gallery for roof works and hazard remediation, Painting Itself (/ 绘画本身) will be displayed at the ANU School of Art & Design.