Feature Paintings
25 May - 1 July 2022
Matthew Simpson is a visual artist with a hidden disability. Matthew has painted for many years since studying fine art at the Victorian College of the Arts in the 1980s. Matthew’s work for the past few years has concentrated on the possibilities of form and pattern that emerge through a process of repeated addition of lines. The process involves both random mark making and considered addition of line to revealed structures that arise.
Line is one of the seven or so commonly identified design elements. Concentrating on this one element focuses the tension that their colours create with one another.
Opening night: Thursday May 26th, 6pm - 8pm
Where: The Dax Centre, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville
RSVP: No RSVP required, all welcome
Creature Comfort
28 February 2021 - 16 September 2022
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 bea 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 Comfortis our way of saying thank-you to our non-human supporters for their love, companionship, beauty and inspiration.
The Studio Dax Program is our new arts program offering pathways for artists at all levels – from those with no experience to those with a current art practice who are looking for a supportive place to develop their skills and become professional exhibiting artists!
Register your interest now to be part of our 2022 program
To find out more and to register your interest click the button below
You are welcome to view our exhibitions during gallery opening hours, there is no need to book and entry is free. For groups and guided tour enquiries please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or find out more about our learning programs
Gallery open hours:
Wednesday to Friday - 11.00am to 3.30pm
30 Royal Parade, Parkville
"Your installation gave me a lot to think about, especially in relation to mental health and stigma. It is inspiring to see how you shine light on, and continue these important conversations."
The Dax Centre acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as traditional custodians of the land on which it operates. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and value the rich history, unbroken culture and ongoing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to country. The Dax Centre values diversity. We are committed to proving a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
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