ARTS GUIDE Exhibitions to see in February

Words by Ben Lamb

Lives of Their Own: Stories Behind Precious Objects

A number of the Flinders Lane Gallery’s most popular artists will be part of Lives of Their Own: Stories Behind Precious Objects, including Margaret Ackland, Kim Anderson, Julie Davidson, Chelsea Gustafsson, Bronwyn Hill, Michael Simms and guest artist Christine Webb, among many more. An intimate still-life exhibition, the paintings exhibited seek to understand the world a little bit better through inanimate objects.

Lives of Their Own: Stories Behind Precious Objects will be taking place at the Flinders Lane Gallery from February 7.

Naadohbii:

To Draw Water

Coming to the Melbourne Museum, Naadohbii: To Draw Water is a brand new exhibition in partnership with Aotearoa’s (New Zealand) Pātaka Art and Museum, and Turtle Island in Canada’s Winnipeg Art Gallery. It’s one of the most important exhibitions in 2023, featuring a selection of the best multidisciplinary works from Indigenous artists of the partnering countries.

Barbara Hepworth: In Equilibrium

Barbara Hepworth is one of Britain’s most popular artists, with her work being featured in a number of the world’s most renowned galleries. In this exhibition, coming to the Heide Museum of Modern Art, there’ll be a bit of everything from international to local pieces. Hepworth quickly came to prominence back in Britain with her unique sculptures, often focusing on abstract ideas.

Barbara Hepworth is taking place at the Heide Museum of Modern Art throughout February.

Splendid: The Roger Brookes Bequest

If you’re a lover of all things antique, this exhibition is the one for you. It’s a different type of exhibition - this one featuring silverware instead of traditional art - which was gifted by Roger Brookes. As a collector who obtained a collection of the most sought-after silverware pieces, there’s a bit of everything showcased at this exhibition: from clocks to paintings, and everything in between.

China: The Past is Present

China is a country of such ornate architecture, fashion and artworks. China: The Past is Present showcases contemporary and historical works, emphasising themes such as prestige and spirituality. Highlights from this free exhibit include pieces from Xiao Lu, who is renowned as China’s first feminist artist.

China: The Past is Present is showing at the NGV International in Southbank throughout February.

Naadohbii: To Draw Water is taking place at the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre in the Melbourne Museum throughout February.

Splendid: The Roger Brookes Bequest is taking place at The Johnston Collection throughout February, running Wednesdays through Sundays.

Alexander McQueen – Mind, Mythos, Muse

This December, the NGV will become home to a brand-new exhibition from one of the world’s most renowned fashion designers - Alexander McQueen. In partnership with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the exhibition will showcase over 100 garments, giving patrons a unique look at the designer’s originality and fashion. Mind, Mythos, Muse will be separated into four sections, each with a distinct style.

New Works from Warlukurlangu

Alexander McQueen’s Mind, Mythos, Muse will be taking place throughout February at the National Gallery of Victoria.

Rone - Time

Rone’s Time can be found hidden within a staple of many Melburnian’s lives, the Flinders Street Station. The exhibition is placed on the station’s long-forgotten third floor, with the art collection fitting the peculiar shapes of the floor. It’ll make you feel like you’ve moved into a nostalgic older era when you walk through this ambitious project, with many pieces set in the WWII era.

Time will be taking place throughout February at the Flinders St Station – Floor 3.

The Flinders Lane Gallery is exhibiting new works from Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation in Yuendumu - one of Australia’s oldest art centres that first opened back in 1985. Featuring depictions of traditional Dreamtime stories, this exhibition will involve a selection of art pieces from the centre. Many of the beautiful pieces will be available for purchase throughout the exhibition as well, so you can really make that feature wall shine.

New Works from Warlukurlangu is taking place at Flinders Lane Gallery in the Nicholas Building until February 4.

Peter Tyndall Retrospective

If you’re an art lover, there’s no doubt you’ve come across Peter Tyndall’s pieces in the past. This month, catch an extensive collection of his best pieces in one place with this retrospective that spans 50 years of his influential career.

Peter Tyndall Retrospective is taking place at Buxton Contemporary throughout February.