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

July

Sydney: Until 31 Dec 2025. 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.

November

Canberra: Until 1 March 2026. Women photographers 1853–2018 highlights the transformative impact of women artists on the history of photography.

Sydney: Until 11 April. Unfinished Business brings together the voices of 30 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with disabilities from remote, regional, and urban communities across Australia.

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.

Sydney: 7–30 November. The festival transforms Sydney into a photography haven with major exhibitions at Bondi Pavilion Gallery and outdoor displays throughout Paddington Reservoir Gardens and along Bondi Beach.

Sydney: Until 30 Nov 2025. Infranatura reveals the hidden beauty of Australia’s flora, exposing both its resilience and vulnerability, and exploring how light and perception shape our connection to nature today.

Melbourne: 28 Nov 2025 – 26 May 2026. The exhibition celebrates the wide-ranging photographic practices of more than eighty women artists working between 1900 and 1975.

December

Sydney: 4 Dec – 19 Dec 2025. The project brings together around 70 images over 50 metres of wall space, profiling a wide spectrum of practical action on climate