UNSW Art & Design and UNSW Galleries invites you and your friends to join us at the opening of Troubled Waters at the UNSW Galleries on Thursday 18 August, 6-8pm.

Troubled Waters is a new season of exhibitions, collaborations, symposia and special events exploring the complex relationship that human beings have with our natural environment.  


Three Exhibition Openings 
When: Thursday, 18 August, 6-8pm
Location: UNSW Galleries

The Australian Premiere of the astounding epic video installation by British artist and filmmaker, John Akomfrah, Vertigo Sea.  

The launch of Earth and the Elements, a five-channel film installation created by Australian film producer and director, Dr Georgia Wallace-Crabbe, exploring the ecological issues that surround the processes of extraction and flow of minerals from Australia to China. 

The opening of River Journey, an exhibition and interdisciplinary project led by UNSW Art & Design Gallery Director, Felicity Fenner, incorporating work by acclaimed Australian artists Andrew Belletty (cinematic and immersive sound designer), Janet Laurence (award-winning multimedia artist and UNSW Art & Design graduate), Nici Cumpston (photographer and descendent of the Darling River people), Bonita Ely (multidisciplinary artist and Associate Professor at UNSW Art & Design), and Tamara Dean (photographer and installation artist).


Associated Events

Panel Discussion Session

The River Journey panel session encourages further interrogation into the ecological issues facing Australia as seen through the eyes of scientists and artists. Please join scientists Professor Richard Kingsford, Dr Kate Brandis, and Claire Sives, as well as artists Andrew Belletty and Bonita Ely to explore their research and creative output. The panel session will be flowed by an exclusive exhibition viewing.

When: Thursday 18 August, 10–11am
Location: UNSW Galleries 


Special Lecture

In this one-off River Journey Lecture, Professor Richard Kingsford, Director of the UNSW Centre for Ecosystem Science, will discuss the grand challenge of water system management in Australia. Taking into account human need and expectation versus long-term maintenance and protection of the Murray-Darling Basin, Professor Kingsford examines the benefits and costs of new developments. 

When: Thursday 18 August, 5.15-5.45pm
Location: Main Lecture Theatre, EGO2, UNSW Art & Design campus, Paddington


UNSW Galleries Tours

Become acquainted with the specially commissioned artworks in this collaborative project, River Journey, and the scientific underpinnings of the background research. River Journey Gallery Tours will be hosted by Dr Felicity Fenner, Director of UNSW Galleries. The morning tour will have her speaking with Australian filmmaker, Dr Georgia Wallace-Crabbe, and Indigenous artist, Nici Cumpston. The afternoon tour will have Fenner in discussion with cinematic sound artist, Andrew Belletty.

When: Saturday 20 August 11.30am and 2.30pm
Location: UNSW Galleries