Ian Potter Museum of Art
Collective Unease
Collective Unease is a bold exhibition of three new commissions inspired by the University of Melbourne’s students, archives and collections. The three works, by artists Andy Butler, Lisa Hilli and James Nguyen, move beyond colonial narratives to a complex, multi-voiced understanding of Australia inflected by experiences of migration and diaspora. In the face of difficult histories and an uncertain future, these works emphasise themes of self-representation, empowerment and optimism.

Co-curated by Samantha Comte and Jacqueline Doughty, the exhibition forms part of the University of Melbourne’s Ian Potter Museum of Art’s artistic program, and is presented inside the Old Quad, at the centre of the University’s Parkville campus. 

26 September 2022 – 03 June 2023
Old Quad, The University of Melbourne, Parkville

Curated by Samantha Comte and Jacqueline Doughty

Generously supported by Lady Primrose Potter AC and Christine Simpson Stokes AM

Andy Butler
The Agony and the Ecstasy 2022
2-channel video, sound, 8 min

Lisa Hilli
Birds of a Feather 2022
Digital print on fabric

James Nguyen
An Australian National Song 2022 
4-channel video, sound, 8 min 55 sec

Camera: James Wright, Matt Richards
Editor: James Wright

Format: 4K master, Red Helium, Blackmagic Cinema Camera