Twist

Image details: Exhibition installation view, Photograph: Rosie Hastie.

Charles Dickens (1812-1870) enchanted readers with irrepressible characters while exploring issues such as crime and punishment, the dire impact of poverty on women and children and the grim conditions in public institutions such as orphanages, prisons and workhouses.

He was as fascinated by the people and social interactions in the far-flung colonies as he was in those of the dirty streets of London. Many of his characters were transported or immigrated to Australia.

This exhibition brings together artwork by exceptional Australian and Irish artists to engage with Dickensian themes – with a contemporary and quirky twist. It was accompanied by a program of artist talks and special evening events throughout the Dark Mofo festival period.

Curator: Dr Mary Knights, Senior Curator of Art, TMAG

Featured contemporary artists

  • Raymond Arnold & Rodney Croome
  • Christl Berg
  • Pat Brassington
  • Michelle Browne
  • Nicholas Folland
  • Keith Giles
  • Julie Gough
  • Fiona Hall
  • Ursula Halpin
  • Sandra Johnston
  • Sue Kneebone
  • Ricky Maynard
  • Mish Meijers & Tricky Walsh
  • Milan Milojevic
  • Brigita Ozolins
  • Effie Pryer
  • Yhonnie Scarce
  • Mary Scott
  • Tom Sloane
  • Heather B. Swann
  • Dominic Thorpe
  • Paul Zika

      Supported by