Celebrating culture, nostalgia, and the pursuit of happiness, the Immigration Museum unveils its most expansive exhibition since 2020 – Joy.
The exhibition features seven Victorian-based artists showcasing their interpretations of joy through immersive installations. Artists include Elyas Alavi (with Sher Ali), Spencer Harrison, Nadia Hernández, Nixi Killick, Jazz Money, Beci Orpin, and Callum Preston.
Visitors are greeted by Nadia Hernández's “Que te puedo decir, asi son las cosas,” a celebration of 'contidianidad' (everydayness) that highlights the comforts and rituals integral to her diasporic connections and relationships.
On the second floor, Spencer Harrison invites visitors to embrace their authentic selves amidst jewels in “Bring it to the Runway, Runway.” Beci Orpin's “Bunny Dearest” transports viewers to her childhood bedroom in rural Victoria, complete with a larger-than-life soft toy. Meanwhile, Callum Preston's “Video Land” serves as a portal to a nostalgic 90s haven.
Jazz Money challenges the notion of joy as a radical act of resistance against oppression in “Our Laughter Will Become the Waterfall.” Nixi Killick ignites the senses with an explosion of colour in “Joy Generator. Finally, Elyas Alavi (with Sher Ali) shares a Persian myth of a mystical giant bird through neon and paint in “In search of the Simurgh.”
Joy is open until 29 August 2024. For further information visit Joy - Immigration Museum (museumsvictoria.com.au).