10 ways to look at the past

NGV Australia, The Ian Potter Centre

Saturday 23 July 2011 to Sunday 05 February 2012
10 ways to look at the past features works by ten contemporary Australian artists that demonstrate a fascination with the passing of time. Drawn from the NGV’s permanent collection of contemporary art, the exhibition traces a range of artists’ approaches to the past whether nostalgic, introspective, playful or critical.

Some draw on personal histories, while others explore the past through collective or cultural memories. Some test notions of truth and fiction in an examination of repressed or contested histories. Others delve into the past via imaginary realms or personal recollections. Including several new major acquisitions, works in the exhibition range from large scale installations, sculptures and video art, to photographs, prints and watercolours.

Encompassing a range of artistic practices and attitudes, this exhibition explores some of the ways in which the themes of history, memory and the passing of time have been transformed in contemporary art.

The artists in the exhibition are Brook Andrew, Emily Floyd, Martyn Jolly, Narelle Jubelin, Peter Kennedy, Richard Lewer, Tracey Moffatt, Tom Nicholson, David Noonan and Ricky Swallow.

Salad days (2005)
© All rights reserved Ricky Swallow 2011 Australia
jelutong (Dyera costulata), maple (Acer sp.) 102.0 x 102.0 x 23.8 cm Purchased with funds from the Victorian Foundation for Living Australian Artists, 2005 © Ricky Swallow, courtesy Darren Knight Gallery, Sydney
Gun-metal Grey 2007
© All rights reserved Brook Andrew 2011 Australia
screenprint in grey ink on metallic foil and cotton (1-7) 170.0 x 110.0 cm (each) ed. 3/3 Purchased, Victorian Foundation for Living Australian Artists, 2007 © Brook Andrew
One long catastrophe (2000-2002)
© All rights reserved Peter Kennedy 2011 Australia
computer generated inkjet prints, painted wood, inkjet print on thermosetting laminate on composition board, neon (a-e) 211.5 x 707.3 x 10.0 cm (overall) Purchased with funds from the Victorian Foundation for Living Australian Artists, 2004 © Peter Kennedy/Licensed by VISCOPY, Australia