The Essence by Agata Mayes

The Essence offers a unique, sensorial experience by combining soundscape, sculpture, video, and photography. The exhibition considers the subject of consciousness by challenging our views on reality and the origin of the universe.

In this work, Mayes examines explores the subject of consciousness, and by examining the relationship between inner and outer worlds she seeks to understand how those two spaces coexist to form the reality we experience.

© Agata Mayes, Three Moons, The Essence Series. Archival Inkjet Print, 2019.
© Agata Mayes, Three Moons, The Essence Series. Archival Inkjet Print, 2019.

Agata Mayes works predominantly with lens-based media, including photography and video in the form of projection installations. In The Essence, Mayes combines a timeless concept with a modern and high-tech presentation where, by mapping a video on the suspended sculpture, the artist creates a space for intimate reflection about our place in the universe.

Mayes encourages the viewers to extend their consciousness and to become open to the idea of reality beyond scientific proof. The installation gives us a sense of ambiguity when stepping into the projection room, allowing us to experience something larger than we can comprehend.

The soundscape for the installation was created by pianist and composer Ania Massetti.

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July

Perth: From 31 May – 28 Sept 2025. Featuring 85 works from three major series – Deep Springs, Overpass, and Cross Country – the exhibition spans twelve years of Contis’s evolving photographic practice.

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.

Sydney: 15 May – 19 October. Showcasing 100 incredible images, this remarkable exhibition offers a window into the astonishing variety of life on our planet – and the critical importance of preserving it.

August

Leica Store Gallery in both Sydney & Melbourne present a unique photographic dialogue between Steve McCurry and Jessie Brinkman Evans. Until late October.

Ballarat: 23 August – 19 October 2025. This year’s theme is Lifeforce, and it ties into an eight-week program of exhibitions, public art, talks, and workshops across more than 100 venues throughout Ballarat.

September

Melbourne: until 9 November. Man Ray and Max Dupain is the first major Australian exhibition to consider these two influential 20th century photographers side by side.

Melbourne: 13 September – 9 November 2025. Featuring selected finalists for the 2025 William & Winifred Bowness Photography Prize.

October

Melbourne: Oct 31 – Nov 6. Chimera is a photographic investigation into the shifting landscape of beauty in the age of artificial intelligence and social media.