a weekend of celebration

Established in 1993, Bundanon was gifted to the Australian people by Arthur and Yvonne Boyd, representing one of the most significant acts of philanthropy in the history of the arts in Australia.

Over the last 30 years Bundanon has honoured the Boyd commitment to engage the public in a deeper understanding of the work of living artists through its extensive artist residencies, education programs and contemporary art exhibitions. In bringing the Merric Boyd collection into conversation with the practice of three contemporary Australian artists, fantastic forms and its opening weekend festivities are a fitting celebration for Bundanon’s 30th birthday.

Saturday 1 April:

New exhibition opens

Opening weekend celebrations for fantastic forms begin with a day of free festivities and live performances, including free entry to the new Art Museum.

Commencing at noon with a ‘Welcome to Country’ by Uncle Gerry Moore and opening speech by Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips MP. From 1pm, hear Collections Manager Jennifer Thompson talk on Merric Boyd’s ceramics and colourful drawings or take part in all-ages sculpture workshop Impossible Things

The afternoon will round off with a series of live performances led by renowned international solo pianist and chamber musician Bernadette Harvey, followed by cellist and rising star Richard Narroway and one of Australia's foremost improvising musicians, drummer Chloe Kim.

About fantastic forms

The exhibition features over 200 works by Merric Boyd from the Bundanon Collection in dialogue with new large-scale sculptures by Nabilah Nordin, a series of ceramic figures by Stephen Benwell and stop-motion videos by emerging Bundjalung artist Rubyrose Bancroft.

Beginning with Merric Boyd’s idiosyncratic approach to artmaking, fantastic forms expands on his well-known ceramic work into his energetic and playful drawing practice, all of which was underpinned by the spiritual philosophy of love and connection that ran through his life and work.

Sunday 2 April:

Celebrating 30 years

Bundanon’s 30 year anniversary will be marked by a special 90 minute anniversary afternoon concert starring acclaimed performers Bernadette Harvey (piano) and Diana Doherty (oboe).

Bernadette Harvey was awarded the Centenary Medal in 2000 for her contribution to Australian Music.

Harvey has won many accolades since her first medal in a Sydney Eisteddfod at the age of two and a half, including the ABC ‘Young Performer of the Year’ in 1987.

Joining Harvey is Sydney Symphony Orchestra principal oboist Diana Doherty. Amongst several achievements, Doherty was awarded first prize at the Prague Spring international competition in 1991.

Also on Sunday Curator

Sophie O’Brien will lead roaming artist talks with fantastic forms artists Nabilah Nordin and Stephen Benwell from 11am-12pm.

Melbourne-based artist Stephen Benwell is amongst Australia’s most distinguished ceramicists, known for his contemporary perspective on traditions of beauty and art-historical influences.

Benwell’s work has been included in Melbourne Now at the National Gallery of Victoria and a major retrospective survey of his work was held at Heide Museum of Modern Art.

Nordin’s installations embrace wonky craftwork, playfully celebrating the visceral and anthropomorphic qualities of materials.

Nordin’s upcoming solo exhibitions include Corinthian Clump, 'The National' at the Art Gallery of NSW and Melbourne Now 2023.

Concert: Boyd Education Centre, overlooking the Shoalhaven River from 2pm sharp. Tickets start from $20.00 for concession. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Talks: 11am-12pm. General Admission for this event is $18 with museum entry included.