MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
18 January 2010
1
Avoiding the Void
A new exhibition exploring the meaning of existence presented by the Cunningham Dax
Collection
a b c
Avoiding the Void is a new exhibition presented by the Cunningham Dax Collection exploring
existential themes and ideas. Opening on Thursday 4 February, this exhibition features artworks
including paintings, drawings, sculpture and multi-media by a range of artists including Graeme
Doyle, Richard McLean, David Rellim and Joan Rodriquez. Works made by inpatients of
psychiatric hospitals also feature in the exhibition.
Sandy Jeffs is a Melbourne poet who has lived with schizophrenia. A recording of her poetry,
along with that of several artists, is a key aspect of Avoiding the Void.
‘Poetry has given me a purpose, a way of ‘avoiding the void’. My poetry fills my life with words and
ideas and a sense of self worth. In poetry you can utter the unutterable, speak the unspeakable
and sense the insensible, such is its power,’ said Sandy, author of the recently published memoir
Flying with Paper Wings: Reflections on Living with Madness (2009).
This exhibition invites viewers to contemplate the insightful ways in which the creators of these
works have grappled with difficult questions that are ordinarily avoided: Who am I? Do I belong?
Why am I suffering? What is the purpose?
‘These works reflect difficult and often conflicted states of being such as insecurity, isolation, doubt,
alienation, anxiety, and despair. This exhibition challenges viewers to consider how these
questions and concerns resonate with their own lives,’ said Anthony Fitzpatrick, the exhibition’s
curator, and Collection Manager of the Cunningham Dax Collection.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of free public talks exploring existential themes
presented by Sidney Bloch, Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne and Dr
Ashley Woodward, The Melbourne School of Continental Philosophy. Artists featured in the show
will present a poetry reading (see details below). A 20-page catalogue will feature essays and
images from the exhibition.
MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
18 January 2010
2
Avoiding the Void
Official Opening
6pm Thursday 4 February
To be opened by Penny Hutchinson, Director, Arts Victoria
3 February – 10 April 2010
The Cunningham Dax Collection
35 Poplar Road, Parkville, 3052
Open 10am – 4pm Wed – Fri, 1 – 5pm Sat
Admission FREE
The Cunningham Dax Collection consists of over 15,000 creative works by people who experience
mental illness and/or psychological trauma. Based in Parkville, the Collection presents an annual
program of exhibitions and has an active touring program with exhibitions traveling regularly
through regional Victoria and interstate.
Image credits:
a) David Rellim, Anxiety, 2004, oil on canvas
b) Joan Rodriquez, Isolation, 2007, watercolour, oil pastel, charcoal and Conté on paper
c) Graeme Doyle, Untitled, 1978, ballpoint pen and coloured pencil on paper
Public Programs
6pm Thursday 25 February 2010
Applying Existentialism in the Psychotherapies presented by Sidney Bloch, Emeritus Professor of
Psychiatry, University of Melbourne
6pm Thursday 18 March 2010
The Art of Existence presented by Dr Ashley Woodward, The Melbourne School of Continental
Philosophy.
6pm Thursday 8 April 2010 Poetry Reading
For further information,
please contact:
Anthony Fitzpatrick, Curator, Avoiding the Void and Collection Manager, CDC
T 9342 2394
M 0413 039 032
E anthony.fitzpatrick@daxcollection.org.au
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