Visitors to the John Curtin Gallery can now explore three new exhibitions that highlight a diverse range of artistic practices, featuring works by over 80 artists. These exhibitions, which opened on October 3, 2025, include significant contributions to the world of ceramics and showcase both historical and contemporary artworks.
Fantastic Forms is one of the standout exhibitions, presenting a broad selection of vibrant drawings and curvilinear ceramics by Merric Boyd (1888-1959), widely regarded as Australia’s first studio potter. This display is complemented by the works of three contemporary Australian artists: Nabilah Nordin from Singapore, Stephen Benwell from Victoria, and emerging Bundjalung artist Rubyrose Bancroft from New South Wales. The exhibition draws on pieces from the Bundanon Collection and aims to explore the joy of artmaking, connecting it to everyday life.
Co-curator and Head of Curatorial and Learning at Bundanon, Sophie O’Brien, expressed her enthusiasm, stating that this exhibition marks the first time Boyd’s works are displayed in a capital city. “We’re thrilled that this presentation at John Curtin Gallery is the only opportunity for Western Australian audiences to experience this extraordinary, dynamic, and little-known body of work,” Ms. O’Brien said.
The second exhibition, Dirt Feeling, delves into the history of ceramics as reflected in the Curtin University Art Collection. This showcase includes new acquisitions and spans the collection’s 57-year history, featuring works by nearly 70 artists, such as Glenn Barkley, Pippin Drysdale, Josina Pumani, and Angela Valamanesh. Curated as a ceramic storytelling experience, Dirt Feeling emphasizes the sensuality of the medium and the diverse practices within Australia and beyond.
Gallery Curator Lia McKnight noted the importance of creativity in the ceramic process. “From beginning to end, ceramic processes require an open responsiveness and an ability to cope with or even embrace failure,” she explained. This ethos fosters humility and encourages ongoing learning among artists. Ms. McKnight added, “Numerous artists represented in Dirt Feeling have had far-reaching impacts on their peers, communities, and succeeding generations.”
The third exhibition, Everyday, Myths and Legends, features artworks by Curtin University alumni, weaving together stories and insights from both imagined and real worlds. This exhibition showcases a rich diversity of the university’s art collection, juxtaposing early works by Richard Giblett and Gina Moore with contemporary pieces from emerging talents such as Grace Yong and Mim Kowner, who recently participated in the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts‘ Hatched: National Graduate Show 2025.
Director of the gallery, Associate Professor Susanna Castleden, expressed her excitement about the exhibitions coinciding with the Noongar Kambarang season. “These exhibitions not only highlight the Curtin University Art Collection in a new context but also celebrate the remarkable work of Merric Boyd,” she remarked. “Each exhibition showcases a diverse range of artistic practices, particularly in ceramics, while emphasizing historically significant artists.”
All three exhibitions will be on display at the John Curtin Gallery until December 7, 2025. In addition, the gallery will feature a new selection of Carrolup artworks in its Kattidj Nagãr [Peaceful Quiet Reflection] space, reopening in October with reproductions from artists including Barry Loo, Edie Wallam, and works by child artists from the Stolen Generations, such as Arthur Bropho and Alma Cuttabut. Curator Zali Morgan emphasized the importance of sharing diverse truths and stories, grounding the space in the reality of these narratives while being respectful of broader Australian truths.
These exhibitions at the John Curtin Gallery not only enrich the cultural landscape but also provide an engaging platform for artists and audiences alike, celebrating the intersection of history, creativity, and community.
