Experience the best of art, fashion, and performance at NGV

Looking for something fun, inspiring, and yes, a little bit cultured? The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) has got you covered with an array of exciting programs and exhibitions that’ll make you sound super sophisticated at your next dinner party. From a major retrospective of Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie, to Kusama-inspired discussions and even fashion curator talks, there’s plenty to see and do. Oh, and did I mention some of it is free? You’re welcome.

REKOSPECTIVE: The Art of Reko Rennie

Closing weekend plans sorted! On 25 January at 12.00pm, join Sophie Prince, NGV Curatorial Project Officer for Australian and First Nations Art, for a fascinating tour of REKOSPECTIVE, the largest exhibition of Reko Rennie’s career (no big deal, right?). This is your chance to explore over 100 works that highlight Rennie’s innovative responses to history, culture, and material. Oh, and he’s been extra busy—there’s even a brand-new artwork making its grand debut. Don’t miss this free tour before the exhibition closes on 27 January. Yep, FOMO is real.

Event details

Midsumma Festival at NGV

It’s not a celebration without a touch of creativity and queerness, right? From 22-23 January, NGV Australia hosts the NGV Teens x Midsumma | Queer Dialogues, a free program inviting teens to explore LGBTIQA+ stories and artworks. Facilitators include actor Ben Goss and savvy NGV curators, so yes, it’s way cooler than the average teen workshop.

For those deep thinkers, don’t miss Performance as Protest on 8 February at NGV International, an insightful (and maybe slightly nerdy) discussion about Yayoi Kusama’s countercultural happenings during the radical ‘60s and ‘70s. Bonus points for tying it into Melbourne’s cultural scene. Want something more visual? Same day, NGV curators will take you on a Queer Collection Tour to explore queer stories through Australian art. You’re pretty much obligated to check it out.

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Pulau (Island) by Melanie Lane for Asia TOPA

What happens when Yayoi Kusama’s work inspires a brilliantly bizarre choreography piece? You get Pulau (Island) by Melanie Lane, premiering 22-23 February at NGV International. Imagine pulsating transformations and mythic figures coming to life under Kusama’s iconic polka-dotted spheres. Sounds trippy, right? This is the place where contemporary dance meets artistic obsession. Tickets are limited (obviously).

Bookings

Melbourne Fashion Festival at NGV

Calling all fashionistas—this one’s for you! On 22 February, NGV celebrates three icons of fashion—Jean Paul Gaultier, Martin Margiela, and John Galliano—with a free curator talk. Drool over their iconic works and discover their lasting impact on the fashion world.

And then, on 1 March, dig into Kusama’s Fashion as Liberation with NGV curator Meg Slater and some of Australia’s creative heavyweights. Expect discussions on her surreal designs from the ‘60s to her latest brand collabs (cough Louis Vuitton), proving once again that Kusama is the queen of artistic rebellion and liberation. Fashion lovers, assemble.

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Whether you’re an art aficionado, a fashion fiend, or just someone who’s keen for a bit of culture and entertainment, NGV’s upcoming programs have something to make you feel inspired (or at least give you bragging rights).