Twist exhibition opens at TMAG

Purgatory by Effie Pryer. A painting of a woman in a white Victorian-era dress and long hair against a blue background.

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) is proud to present our major winter exhibition Twist, which has opened as part of Dark Mofo 2023.

Curated by TMAG’s Senior Curator of Art, Dr Mary Knights, Twist features works from 24 contemporary artists, including 13 Australian and Irish contemporary artists (six of whom are Tasmanian) who have created new artworks that draw on Dickensian themes and their relevance to Van Diemen’s Land, and contemporary Tasmania.

The exhibition includes First Nations artists, who relate the themes to the impact of colonisation, as well as numerous works from the TMAG Collection. It will be complemented by performances from three Irish performance artists.

Out of Flavour by Sue Kneebone. A series of unusual looking silver implements set against a red velvet background.

Twist is the culmination of three years of development by Mary Knights, who travelled to the UK with support from the Gordon Darling Foundation to undertake research on Dickens’ life and literary themes.

‘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,’ Mary said.

‘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 – including the convict Abel Magwitch in Great Expectations.

‘It is also believed that the character of Fagan in Oliver Twist was based on Isaac (Ikey) Solomon, a notorious convict who travelled to Van Diemen’s Land twice – once as an escapee and the second time transported.

‘This exhibition brings together artwork by exceptional Australian and Irish artists to engage with Dickensian themes – with a contemporary and quirky twist.’

Image of glass lace suspended from the gallery ceiling

TMAG Director, Mary Mulcahy said that TMAG was excited to present Twist in partnership with Dark Mofo.

‘Twist will be accompanied by a rich public program of artist talks and special evening events throughout Dark Mofo 2023,’ Mary Mulcahy said.

‘Across the opening weekend, visitors can enjoy free public talks led by Twist artists and TMAG curators.

‘From 15–17 June, Twist will be showcased at a ticketed event called The Salon, which presents an exciting line-up of audio artists and after-dark access to the exhibition.

‘There will also be a public program of children’s art and storytelling workshops conducted by six emerging Tasmanian artists – including three Tasmanian Aboriginal artists – to be held around NAIDOC Week during the upcoming school holidays.’

Twist is presented by the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery with major presentation partner Dark Mofo. It is supported by major funding partner, Restart Investments to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund, an Australian Government initiative, as well as Gordon Darling Foundation, Culture Ireland, Ulster University, Arts SA, Country Arts SA, Arts Tasmania, TMAG Foundation and Dulux.

Twist is on show in TMAG’s Argyle Galleries, Henry Hunter Gallery 5, Salon Gallery and Bond Store from 9 June until 22 October 2023. To find out more, see the Twist exhibition page.

Image details

Effie Pryer, Purgatory, 2023, oil on myrtle panel, 40 x 60 cm. Commissioned with the support of the TMAG Foundation, 2021. AG9128

Sue Kneebone, Out of Flavour, 2023, cast metal, fabric, wood, (detail). Photographer: Grant Hancock

Ursula Halpin, Díláithrithe, Mhuire Mháthair an Dóchais, Is beannaithe thú idir mná agus is beannaithe toradh do bhruinne; Displaced, Mary Mother of Hope, blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is fruit of thy womb, 2022/2023, kiln-formed pâte-de-verre, Bullseye glass, nylon and steel, dimensions variable. Image: Rosie Hastie