UNSW Galleries presents an exhibition of Derek Jarman (1942-1994), prolific artist and activist and a significant figure of 20th-century British culture. Jarman’s practice spanned painting, film, assemblage, writing, performance and set design. He is most widely known for his foray into experimental film.
The exhibition, curated by Lisa Beauchamp, Aaron Lister and Michael Lett, is the first exhibition of his work in Australia and marks 30 years since the artist passed away from an AIDS-related illness at the age of 52. It includes rarely seen paintings and films and a collection of photography and archival materials about the artist.
Two large rooms hold a selection of large and smaller paintings and assemblage works constructed of scavenged objects and broken glass suspended or buried in thick, black tar. On a large suspended screen, punk icon Jordan leaps and twirls in a tutu around a blazing pyre, on which the Union Jack flag burns, in the Super 8 film Jordan’s Dance.
An adjacent room holds archival photographs and paraphernalia including a row of intimate photographs depicting details of domestic spaces, medical paraphernalia, flowers and the much-loved garden of Jarman’s home – Prospect Cottage in Dungeness, Kent. The garden is considered his most enduring legacy, a symbol of resilience and the beauty in creativity and community in the face of severe illness and societal prejudice.
Derek Jarman: Delphinium Days
UNSW Galleries, Paddington – until May 4
Open Wed to Fri 10am-5pm, Sat and Sun 12-5pm
Magic Mirror, a retrospective of Jarman’s films is running concurrently at the Art Gallery of NSW (AGNSW) until April 6
James Barth’s work contends with her experience as a trans woman through themes of self-representation and embodiment. Her work plays on traditional genres of portraiture and still life; through 3D modelling software she creates avatars, stages and props which are then transmuted into screen-printed oil paintings and animated videos. 3D-printed sculptures coated in zinc in various poses of movement or repose recall the petrified figures of Pompeii within a chilled gallery space that has been transformed into what feels like a generic office space. The Clumped Spirit is presented with the Institute of Modern Art.
James Barth: The Clumped Spirit
UNSW Galleries, Paddington – until May 4
Open Wed to Fri 10am-5pm, Sat and Sun 12-5pm
Also worth a peek:
Jon Campbell’s work explores and celebrates Australian vernacular through text-based paintings and prints, applying colour, shape and form that highlights the vibrancy in living, everyday language.
Jon Campbell: Chippin Away
Darren Knight Gallery, Waterloo – until April 12
Open Tue to Sat 10am-5pm
