We are excited to present our Cunningham Dax Collection show for 2021 – Creature Comfort
Humans have an important and timeless relationship with animals. Whether it is an appreciation for the majesty of wild creatures or the unconditional love of a furry companion, animals can be a wonderful source of support for our mental wellbeing.
Artists across the millennia have shown their appreciation for animals – ancient Egyptians honoured cats through painting, mosaics, sculpture and more, while the famous Lascaux Cave art in southern France gives an insight into how essential animals were to Palaeolithic culture. Devotion to our four-legged friends is abundant in modern art, with Picasso, Andy Warhol, and David Hockney all dedicating many hours to portraying their beloved ‘sausage’ dogs.
The Cunningham Dax Collection’s rich source of animal imagery show that many artists with lived experience of mental health issues also found animals to be deserving of their artistic attention. Creature Comfort is our way of saying thank-you to our non-human supporters for their love, companionship, beauty and inspiration.
This exciting and diverse exhibition is open from Sunday 28th of February 2021 at The Dax Centre.
You can find information on visiting The Dax Centre, including our COVID-19 safety measures here
FREE school holiday activity for parents & kids!
Join us for a fun, interactive tour and art-making activity as part of our Creature Comfort exhibition!
Discover all the animals featured in the artworks in the exhibition. We’ll learn some animal rhymes and make some animal noises! Select your favourite animal and create your own animal mask using a range of materials provided.
When: Friday 16th April
Time: 11am-12pm
Where: The Dax Centre
30 Royal Parade, Kenneth Myer Building, University of Melbourne, Parkville
Cost: Free! Bookings are required
Other information:
This program is designed for children of preschool to primary school age with their parents/carers. Recommended age 4 years+
All art materials are provided.
Places are limited, so bookings are essential.
Click here to book in for Animal Capers
Creature Comfort – Art Making Workshops
Join us for an afternoon of art making, self-care and connection!
As part of our current exhibition Creature Comfort join Bec Knaggs in The Dax Centre studio for a relaxed afternoon of art making, self-care and connection.
This experiential workshop is an opportunity to develop & explore our connection with the animal realm, using art making, healthy self-expression and self-reflection as a tool for ongoing personal mental health and well-being.
Where: The Dax Centre
30 Royal Parade, Kenneth Myer Building, University of Melbourne, Parkville
When: Friday 14 May and Sunday 30 May
Time: 12.00pm – 2.30pm
What to bring: All materials will be provided, please bring along an object that represents your connection to/with a particular animal.
Cost: $75 per person
Max group size: 7 people
Find out more and book into a workshop
FREE Guided Tours
Join us for a FREE guided tour of the Creature Comfort exhibition at The Dax Centre
From the cute and cuddly to the wild and woolly, this exhibition explores and celebrates our enduring connection to all creatures great and small!
Our Curator and Collections Manager, Julia Young will share insights into the artworks and the stories of those who created them.
Dates:
Selected Fridays – click ‘Book’ below to see available dates and times
Times:
Tours will run for approximately 30 minutes
There is a cafe onsite and the number 19 tram stops directly out front
Important:
The tours are free but you must register in advance. Group sizes are limited.
BOOK in for a free guided tour
We look forward to seeing you at The Dax Centre!