The current exhibition Nationalism in the Wake of COVID at the Macquarie University Art Gallery is grabbing attention, creating conversation and generating reflection, post-pandemic.

The exhibition reviews the interconnection between localism, nationalism and internationalism in a world rocked by a global pandemic. In the past few years, we’ve seen border closures, not just in Australian but world-wide. The pandemic changed travel and tourism, shifting the way we consider how geological locations impact how events and places are localised, bringing the concept of national identity to the forefront of people’s minds.

The launch of the exhibition last month was a great success with close to 100 people attending the opening to view the collection of artworks by artists Rebecca Agnew, David Griggs, NOT, Paul Ryan, Leanne Tobin and Nancy Yu. Featured in the exhibition are also works already in the University’s permanent collection from Arthur Boyd, Mark Davis, Lawrence Daws, James Doolin, Louise Forthun, Rosalie Gascoigne, James Gleeson, Rew Hanks, Tracey Moffatt, Sidney Nolan, Naata Nungurrayi, John Olsen and Margaret Preston.

---

Pictured: The opening of Nationalism in the Wake of COVID

---

The artworks examine many questions of national identity post COVID. They look at the destabilisation of colonial power structures and how art can uncover suppressed histories or even generate new cultural scenarios and community knowledge.

“The exhibition is spectacular, and so far, we’ve had an overwhelming amount of positive feedback,” says Senior Curator, Rhonda Davis. ”The works give you a sense of thoughtfulness and cause viewers to reflect on existing notions of authenticity, citizenship, territory, belonging and borders.

“I’m very proud of this exhibition and excited to announce that it will tour to Cowra Regional Art Gallery next year.”

---

NOT
Mechanical botanical
2022
kilnformed cold-worked lead-crystal bronze glass, bronze, found objects, terracotta
36 x 184 x 64 cm
Courtesy of the artist and KRONENBERG MAIS WRIGHT, Sydney

---

If you haven’t had a chance to visit the exhibition, it’s running until 24 August. On 11 August, in conjunction with the current exhibition, the gallery will also present a panel discussion. This will be a great opportunity to view the works and learn more about the exhibition, its themes, and the questions it poses.

In Conversation Panel 

Thursday 11 August at 1pm

A broad discussion about nation and nationhood, the ongoing effects of the pandemic and what it means to contemporary art practices. Panel presented by Rhonda Davis, Leonard Janiszewski, Andrew Simpson and NC Qin. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served. Please contact rhonda.davis@mq.edu.au to RSVP.

---

Featured image: 

David Griggs
Untitled
2022
oil on canvas
183 x 168 cm
Courtesy of the artist and Station Gallery Australia