Wednesday 21 September – Saturday 5 November

A new exhibition at Manningham Art Gallery, Utopia du jour, explores our ideas about utopia, the imagined place or state of things where everything is perfect, and how these ideas adapt and change with the times.

Opening on Wednesday 21 September, Utopia du jour is about early 21st Century ideas of paradise and the act of dreaming of a perfect world. It is an exhibition about the ideas that are with us now but may not be in another fifty years.

The exhibition presents idyllic, natural landscapes alongside futuristic cityscapes and images of majestic vistas created through human activities such as mining, underscoring the idea that everyone’s own utopia, like beauty, is often in the eye of the beholder.

The photographs of Elaine Campaner and Elizabeth Liddle reflect on the power imbalances that exist even in those places considered paradise by many. Other works present an optimistic view of humanity’s ability to adapt and change to the circumstances it is presented with.

Utopia du jour is an invitation to dream big for the future, to reflect upon what we love about the world, what we would change, and the myriad of challenges we will face as we reach for utopia.

Artists included in the exhibition: Elaine Campaner, Jon Eiseman, Daniel Ichallalene, Elizabeth Liddle, Anton Malishev, Jill Orr, Jenny Riddle and Deborah White.

Public Programs

Utopian Book Circle
Session 1: Tuesday 1 November, 10.00am – 12.00pm
Session 2: Thursday 3 November, 6.00pm – 8.00pm
Now’s your chance to revisit your favourite utopian or dystopian novel, discover something new or read that classic you’ve always meant to! Get reading, then come along and a friendly book circle to discuss utopian ideas in fiction. Light refreshments provided.

Free event. Bookings essential on 9840 9382.

Manningham Art Gallery
Manningham City Square
687 Doncaster Road,
Doncaster VIC 3108

Opening Hours
Tuesday to Saturday, 11.00 am – 2.00 pm
Free admission