when: 22 May 2026 - 28 June 2026 | venue: ANU School of Art & Design Gallery | cost: See event for details | address: Acton 2601 | website: https://dhg.anu.edu.au
published: 26 Jun 2026, 5 min read
The Drill Hall Gallery has partnered with Perth Institute of Contemporary Art to present Painting Itself.
Curated by Jonathan Nichols the exhibition explores a horizontal culture in painting, where fundamental ideas about its history and vitality - long the influence of European and American values - are being reshaped in East and Southeast Asia. A common understanding is that painters look for the 'face' of their work, that aspect of a painting that looks back at them. Each of the artists in the exhibition takes on this idea, leaning into the mood and psychic processes of their own painting, with its inner constraints and struggles.
The exhibition presents the work of five artists: Jon Chan (Singapore), Un Cheng (Hong Kong), Chris Huen Sin-Kan (Hong Kong/London), Noor Mahnun (Malaysia), Tang Dixin (China).
Exhibition presented with Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts in association with ANU Drill Hall Gallery, Canberra.
Given the prolonged closure of the Drill Hall Gallery for roof works and hazard remediation, Painting Itself will be displayed at the ANU School of Art &Design.
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The Drill Hall Gallery has partnered with Perth Institute of Contemporary Art to present Painting Itself.
Curated by Jonathan Nichols the exhibition explores a horizontal culture in painting, where fundamental ideas about its history and vitality - long the influence of European and American values - are being reshaped in East and Southeast Asia. A common understanding is that painters look for the 'face' of their work, that aspect of a painting that looks back at them. Each of the artists in the exhibition takes on this idea, leaning into the mood and psychic processes of their own painting, with its inner constraints and struggles.
The exhibition presents the work of five artists: Jon Chan (Singapore), Un Cheng (Hong Kong), Chris Huen Sin-Kan (Hong Kong/London), Noor Mahnun (Malaysia), Tang Dixin (China).
Exhibition presented with Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts in association with ANU Drill Hall Gallery, Canberra.
Given the prolonged closure of the Drill Hall Gallery for roof works and hazard remediation, Painting Itself will be displayed at the ANU School of Art &Design.
Go see Painting Itself 2026.
Painting Itself 2026 is on 22 May 2026 - 28 June 2026. The opening hours are: See event website for details. Conveniently located in Acton. Call 02 6125 5832 for details. Visit their website at https://dhg.anu.edu.au.
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