Jessi Ryan

Jessi Ryan (they/them) has been creating performance and exhibitions for the past 20 years, both locally, nationally and abroad- in this time collaborating with a huge number of artists from a broad cross section of cultural backgrounds. As a journalist they have written for and been published by some of Australia’s leading arts and news editorial across the last 10 years-and was recognised as a finalist for Globe Community Media Award in 2021. Ryan has also taken photos for a number of print and online publications.

Jessi's Latest Articles

Exterior photo of Temperance Hall. Image: Supplied. Vintage photo showing a white brick two-storey building with the words 'TEMPERANCE HALL" on it and several Volkswagon Beetle cars parked in front on the street.
Features

The battle for Temperance Hall

A significant space where artists have 'free rein', Temperance Hall is facing closure by mid-2024 due to ongoing funding woes.

‘BLAKTIVISM 2023’ performance at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne. Photo: Pics That Pop. First Nations performers on stage wearing brightly coloured clothes against a projected background of a raised fist. In the foreground audiences are giving the performs a standing ovation.
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Performance review: BLAKTIVISM, Hamer Hall

A potent First Nations performance with stirring vocals, storytelling and words of protest.

RED Gallery. Image is a grey building facade with two windows either side of a middle door.
News

Melbourne gallery has artists seeing red

Artists speak up after frustrating dealings with long-standing RED Gallery.

Image: Shutterstock. Collage of a lip with a cross over it and a hand holding up a microphone.
Opinions & Analysis

Dark side of the arts: where fear and transparency collide

What are arts journalists to do when those we are trying to empower to speak up fear the repercussions?

Disaster. Image is of ‘Le Freak’ at Melbourne Fringe Festival 2023, with a backdrop of flames behind a devilish figure with horns and one arm raised.
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Performance reviews: Myth, Propaganda and Disaster and the Heirs of America, and Le Freak, Melbourne Fringe Festival

A successful, spine-tingling sequel and good hour of circus entertainment.

inquiry. Image shows two hands holding a piece of dark card with a chalk question mark on it in front of a black backdrop of chalked question marks.
Features

Just an Inquiry or a golden opportunity?

Arts sector leaders respond to the launch of the Commonwealth Government COVID-19 Response Inquiry.

Big Dyke Energy. Image is woman in orange and blue dress with furry blue and white coat, orange shades on the end of her nose and mouth agape in a shocked expression.
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Performance reviews: Big Dyke Energy and T4T: A Transgender Showcase, Melbourne Fringe Festival

An unforgettable stand-up comedy and powerful showcase with trans and non-binary cast.

Mona. Image is of an artwork depicting a doorway, with the annunciation viewed within, surrounded by a cloudy sky.
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Exhibition reviews: Heavenly Beings: Icons of the Christian Orthodox World, Jean-Luc Moulène and Teams, and Jónsi Hrafntinna (Obsidian), Mona

The newest triple bill of exhibitions at Mona can make you believe in the transcendent power of art, all over…

How to Shave. Image is of transman with brown shirt over white t-shirt stroking his chin
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Performance reviews: How to Shave and It’s Like a Circle, Melbourne Fringe Festival

Comedy that unpacks the highs and lows of transmasculine identity and theatre exploring the realms of queer love.

Tools For After. A white cylindrical vase lies on its side with a printed didactic placed behind it.
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Exhibition review: Tools For After, Fitzroy Town Hall

A slick display of contemporary Italian design and ingenuity.

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