The Artful World of Animals
Exhibition
Exhibition curated by Purnima Ruanglertbutr at University Hall, The University of Melbourne, September 2013, in conjunction with the Festival of Ideas
Overview
About the exhibition
Explore the world’s most spectacular and beloved creatures, both large and small, exotic and familiar. University staff, students, and alumni, along with a broader community including veterinarians, veterinary nurses, photographers, artists, and designers, offer their critical and creative interpretations of animals using diverse mediums, art styles, and techniques. From the curious to the marvellous, this exhibition stands as a testament to the importance of animals in human culture. Artworks were judged in categories of medium, and winners were announced at the gala reception and awards function.
The Artful World of Animals draws upon the diverse creative inspirations of thirty-five veterinarians, veterinary nurses, professional and enthusiast artists, designers, and photographers from across Australia. Together, they craft a compelling portrait of the animal world, represented through a wide array of cultures, artistic styles, and media. The collection includes over one hundred works of art spanning painting, drawing, digital photography, digital illustrations, textiles, mixed media, prints, video, multimedia, and installations, all exploring the human-animal relationship.
MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
Explore exhibition coverage, including the curator’s ABC Radio interview, and artist interviews.
Curator's statement
Concept
When I was entrusted with curating the exhibition, I was keen to involve a broader community of art and animal enthusiasts in the competition. My vision aimed to unite practitioners from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for art and animals. I aimed to inspire them to offer critical and creative insights into their creative and professional endeavours. I invited the artists to explore several questions in their art: (1) Is there such a thing as an animal perspective, and what might this world look like? (2) What kind of interactions exist between human beings and animals? (3) What are the impacts of human beings on the animal world? (4) What sentiments are evoked within and between animals, as well as towards animals? They were encouraged to address the biology of animals, from single cells to ecosystems, employing abstraction, figuration, symbol, or metaphor. Consequently, the artists combined nature, art, and animals in a myriad of ways.
For a comprehensive rationale, read the curator’s full introduction in the exhibition catalogue and watch the opening speech.
Exhibition Display
Exhibition Catalogue
Explore ‘The Artful World of Animals’ exhibition catalogue, marking 50 years of teaching at the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Veterinary Science, showcasing a diverse range of artistic works celebrating the field of veterinary science and its creative talents.
Explore Exhibition Gallery
photos
Curatorial Enquiries
If you are interested in engaging Purnima as a curator, writer, or editor for your exhibition, collaborating on a project, or seeking more information, please feel free to contact us.