Inner worlds: portraits and psychology at the Potter Museum of Art, the University of Melbourne, explores key connections between portraiture and psychology in Australia since the early twentieth century. Artists include Judy Cassab, Anne Ferran, Dale Frank, Joy Hester, Sidney Nolan, Mike Parr, Albert Tucker and Danila Vassilieff.

Portraits of Australia’s pioneers of psychology from World War I to the 1950s will be presented, alongside works by modernist and contemporary artists whose artistic practices have been highly influenced and strongly informed by their interest in psychology, the subconscious mind and intense mental states.

‘This exhibition shines a light on the valuable work of leading figures associated with psychological research and psychoanalysis in Australia, and provides a fascinating exploration of social history, biography and visual art," said Christopher Menz, Acting Director, the Ian Potter Museum of Art.

Highlights include portraits and depictions of faces and figures created in the 1940s by Albert Tucker, Sidney Nolan and Joy Hester that reflect psychological trauma, an interest they shared with psychologist Reginald Spencer Ellery.

The exhibition includes portraits and imaginary faces created by mental health patients from the 1950s and 1960s. These works of art which reveal unique experiences of the mind were collected by Dr Eric Cunningham Dax. As these images are legally considered to be medical records, the artist-patients’ names are withheld and the works cannot be reproduced but are granted exemption for exhibition in this context.

Contemporary works which explore highly intense mental states date from 1980s and 1990s are seen in experimental self portraits and figure studies by Dale Frank, Anne Ferran and Mike Parr.

Guest curator Christopher Chapman says ‘This portraiture exhibition provides a framework in which to examine the influence of psychology on the work of particular artists who are fascinated by the subconscious mind and extreme mental states.’

A major publication accompanies the exhibition with essays by scholars reflecting on the history of psychology and trauma in Australia, the influence of psychology on artists and art, and the state of psychology in contemporary Australian culture.

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For further information, contact T: 03 9663 3222
Kara Cutajar, MediaLink Productions, E: kara@medialinkproductions.com M: 040 6173 993
Katrina Raymond, MediaLink Productions, E: katrina@medialinkproductions.com M: 0417