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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March

Melbourne: 1 March – 25 May 2025. Featuring the work of approximately 60 artists, The Basement brings to light rare vintage prints from the 1960s – 1980s, from students and teachers of the College’s Diploma of Art & Design (Photography).

Perth: 15 Feb - 3 May 2025. de-centre re-centre highlights the strength and diversity of contemporary photography in Australia. The exhibition explores place and belonging in First Nations, diasporic and queer communities.

Melbourne: 28 March – 4 May 2025. Horan’s work thrives on contrast: the ordinary and extraordinary, rigid and fluid, playful and refined. Using materials like plastic, chrome, glass, and foodstuffs, she elevates the overlooked through precise composition and unexpected juxtapositions.

April

Canberra: 27 Feb until 20 July 2025. The National Library has invited renowned Australian photojournalist Mike Bowers to select some of his favourite images from the Fairfax Photo Archive.

Brisbane: Until 13 July 2025. Amateur Brisbane photographer Alfred Henrie Elliott (1870-1954) extraordinary images lay dormant for decades until they were discovered only recently. This exhibition is curated by seven Brisbane photographers.

Perth: Until 18 May 2025. Henry Roy – Impossible Island draws on 40-years of recollections and observations as it brings together 113 photos taken from 1983 to 2023.

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: Until 30 June. The photographs in Max Dupain: Student Life were taken at the University of Sydney in the early 1950s, a period of rapid change marked by the politics of the Cold War.

Sydney: Until 15 May. Scott Perkins new series of expertly crafted landscape photographs and light boxes are located within photography and sculpture disciplines.

May

Melbourne: Opening 4 May 2-4pm. Then open until 25 May. An exhibition of the mature and recent work of photographer / artists who trained at the ground-breaking Prahran CAE, Melbourne in the 1970s and 80s.