Deakin University Art Gallery

Text – Re read

When: 24 October–15 December 2023

Co-curated by Stephen Wickham and Leanne Willis, this exhibition is a celebration of thoughtful engagement with ideas. Text – Re read acknowledges the importance of words, texts, articles and books, from illuminated manuscripts to la poésie concrete, words and the ideas therein that remain central to art-making and its reception.

Much has been said about the inspirational muses and the ‘Eureka moment’ – the flash of insight where sources and origins are revealed and then manifested. This exhibition highlights a slow consideration of the complex relationships between artists, artworks and the ideas embodied in books and many other material sources. Text – Re read is the second exhibition of the Deakin University Centre for Abstract+Non-Objective Art, The Void: Visible. Abstraction & Non-Objective Art being the inaugural in November 2017.

Participating artists include: Andrew Christofides, Tracey Coutts, Janet Dawson, Lesley Dumbrell, Suzie Idiens, Raafat Ishak, Simon Klose, Sean Loughrey, Andrew Rogers, Wilma Tabacco and Stephen Wickham.

Take a virtual tour of the exhibition

Public programs at Deakin University Art Gallery include floor talks, panel presentations and seminars. We also offer education programs for schools and community groups that feature guided exhibition and collection tours, behind-the-scenes presentations and hands-on workshops.

School programs

The Deakin University Art Gallery offers a range of vibrant and diverse education programs based on current exhibitions and the art collection. All programs are free of charge and can be tailored to suit your schools' needs and/or interests.

Community group programs and guided tours

We offer a range of different options for community groups, including outreach programs based around the Deakin University Art Collection. Contact us with your requirements and we can tailor a session for your group or arrange a guided tour.

Self-guided tours

For self-guided tours, download one of our free art collection (Deakin Downtown and Warrnambool Campus) or Sculpture Walk guides (Melbourne Burwood, Geelong Waurn Ponds and Geelong Waterfront campuses).

Deakin Downtown art collection guide

Warrnambool Campus art collection guide

Melbourne Burwood Campus Sculpture Walk guide

Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Sculpture Walk guide

Geelong Waterfront Campus Sculpture Walk guide

The Deakin University Art Collection is a unique and treasured collection of contemporary artworks by some of Australia’s leading artists. The collection reflects the cultural aspirations of Deakin and plays a significant role in creating a welcoming environment on campus, enriching the experience of university life and contributing to philosophical inquiry and creative research.

The collection first came together with artworks from Deakin University’s antecedent institutional collections including the Victoria State Teachers College, Prahran College of Advanced Education, the Douglas McDonnell and others. It now consists of approximately 2400 artworks by over 900 artists.

The collection is comprised of examples of innovative creative practices including achievements in painting, sculpture, print, drawing, ceramic, photography, textiles and includes one of Australia’s largest holdings of artist books. Importantly, it is home to cherished artworks by First Peoples, including many artists that are based in South-Eastern Australia. It also houses artworks by our past and present students and staff, telling a special story of the Deakin University origins and its community.

A selection of important works in the collection are by artists such as: Hoda Afshar, George Baldessin, Gordon Bennett, Uncle Jim Berg, Ronald Bull, Arthur Boyd, Stephen Bram, Maree Clarke, John Cato, Vicki Couzens, Mikala Dwyer, Fayen d’Evie, Robert Fielding, Emily Floyd, Sally Gabori, Simyrn Gill, Aunty Marlene Gilson, Elizabeth Gower, Inge King, Robert Klippel, Hayley Millar-Baker, Sidney Nolan, Lin Onus, John Olsen, Robert Rooney, Mike Parr, Kerrie Poliness, The Ken Sisters, Jenny Watson, Ron Robertson-Swann and Fred Williams among many others.

Maintaining and developing this collection demonstrates the University’s ongoing interest in the study, patronage and advancement of the visual arts in Australia. Acquisition highlights can often be found through our social media.

We are always happy to consider donations from artists and collectors as direct donations or through the Australian Government Cultural Gifts Program, please email us for more information. If you have a research or collection enquiry, please contact the Art Gallery team.

Parking

Parking is available at Melbourne Burwood Campus. You can buy hourly or daily parking permits by using the CellOPass parking app. Download the CellOPass parking app in the Google Play store or the App Store.

Visit us

The gallery is open Monday–Friday, 11am–5pm*

Deakin University Art Gallery
Building FA
Melbourne Burwood Campus
221 Burwood Highway
Burwood, VIC 3125

To find the gallery on campus, enter Deakin University via Entrance 1, (Holland Avenue), off Burwood Highway. Continue straight for 500 metres. As you pass the overhead foot bridge, the gallery is on your right. If arriving by car, you can park in any of the bays on the left of Holland Avenue. Alternatively, follow Holland Avenue all the way around to the second parking entrance.