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

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

June

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.

August

Melbourne: Until 15 November 2026. This exhibition will present the most comprehensive survey of the work of the eminent Hungarian-born, French photographer Brassaï yet to be seen in Australia.

Sydney: 24 August 2026 – 18 July 2027. Featuring almost 200 images and original prints personally selected by Dupain for magazine and book publishers, the exhibition reveals the extraordinary breadth of his work.

September

Melbourne: Until 19 February 2027. Spanning 55 years from 1971, Chapman’s visual journey began aboard the ‘Green Bus’ from Elsternwick to Melbourne’s city centre – chronicling the evolution of Australian life along the way.

Melbourne: Multiple exhibitions including – Bowness Photography Prize 2026 + Sarah Rhodes | The Inner Sky. Both until 8 November 2026.

October

Perth: Until 31 January 2027. The Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) presents No night is long enough for us to dream twice, a major exhibition of contemporary photography and video, bringing together more than 100 works by seven living artists and one artist duo from across South West Asia, North Africa and its many diasporas.

Sydney: 10 October – 14 November 2026. Metropolis: Street Photography 1985–2025 displays over four decades of life within the modern human environment. The work transitions from the tough, film-noir streets of 1980’s New York to the time surrounding the fall of the Berlin Wall – to the modern colour saturated, hard-shadowed geometry of contemporary Australian streets.

Brisbane: Until 1 November 2026. The finalist exhibition of the 2026 Lord Mayor’s Photographic Awards brings together striking photographic works that capture the city’s spirit — from familiar streets and riverside scenes to the fleeting moments, routines and characters that make Brisbane feel like home.

Sydney: Until 31 October 2027. Explore five decades of extraordinary photography by one of Australia’s most important and influential photojournalists, Lorrie Graham.