DEEPER DARKER BRIGHTER by Pamela Bain and Carolyn Lewens

Conveying the wonder of science through art, Pamela Bain and Carolyn Lewens explore the universe with Swinburne University's Centre for Astrophysics and Computing, resulting in an odyssey of aesthetic and sensory experiences. DEEPER DARKER BRIGHTER is a creative response to an astrophysics program that is searching for the fastest explosions in the universe. The artists, present for real-time space observations, were stimulated by bombardments of astronomical imagery, data, and technology that inspired these new bodies of work.The exhibition will offer an immersive and stimulating space wherein fresh awareness of the cosmos and science is mediated via aesthetic and conceptual means.

"Through a Portal Lightly". © Pamela Bain.
"Through a Portal Lightly". © Pamela Bain.

About the artists

Pamela Bain: In 2016, Pamela Bain was invited to a ‘live to the sky’ astrophysics observation of the Universe hosted by Swinburne University of Technology. This deeply personal experience enabled the artist to connect more closely with her muse and has resulted in a body of work as an In-House Artist with Swinburne’s Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing. Entering the rarefied world of physics, big data, and deep space phenomenon has signalled the beginning of a new phase in Bain’s creative evolution. 

"Bursting Light". © Pamela Bain.
"Bursting Light". © Pamela Bain.

Carolyn Lewens: has been the recipient of grants and awards – notably Australia Council, Arts Victoria and Regional Arts Victoria, CCP best work on an Environmental Theme, best in Black & White and several Linden Postcard awards. She has had numerous artist-in-residencies, taught Photomedia at Monash, exhibition practice at RMIT, and was in charge of the Art Major Photography stream at PSC.

In the Photic Zone. © Carolyn Lewens.
In the Photic Zone. © Carolyn Lewens.
"Light Phenomenon". © Carolyn Lewens.
"Light Phenomenon". © Carolyn Lewens.

Upcoming Events Submit an Event

May

Sydney: Until 16 August 2026. PIX, Australia’s first pictorial news weekly, is brought to life in this exhibition, showcasing its archived images and stories for the very first time.

Melbourne: Until March 2027. Rehearsing the City presents archival photographs from Victoria’s government collections, alongside new work by contemporary street photographers.

June

Melbourne: 5 March – 7 August 2026. Between the mid-1970s and early 1990s, artist and social documentary photographer Viva Gibb (1945-2017) documented the suburbs of North and West Melbourne, where she lived.

Sydney: Until 7 Feb 2027. From his archive of more than 200,000 images, Close Up celebrates the historic moments and pivotal people he famously captured.

Canberra: Until 6 Sept 2026. Trent Parke’s photographic series The Christmas tree bucket 2006–09 is a tender and darkly humorous portrayal of his extended family coming together to celebrate Christmas.

Melbourne: 6 June – 20 August 2026. Brook Andrew is an artist whose conceptual practice shifts across photography, performance, moving image, installation, public space and research, often through deep collaboration with artists, communities and friends.

Brisbane: until 18 October 2026. Known affectionately as the ‘Cool Cat of journalism’ Wayne moved effortlessly among the greats, between the media and community, treating every encounter as part of his day’s work behind the lens.

Melbourne: 26 June – 2 August. Through analogue photographic processes, Dylan Negri aims to immortalised fragments of life that would otherwise disintegrate.

July

Sydney: Until 2 August. As the first survey exhibition of Tamara Dean’s career, this collection highlights the evolution of a major voice in Australian photomedia.