‘The first impulse of the maker of hand pottery is to obtain pleasure in making and decorating an article, and making that pleasure intelligible to others…’ –Merric Boyd, 1930
Fantastic Forms captures the energy, movement and colour in the expansive creative practice of Merric Boyd (1888-1959). Featuring over 200 drawings and ceramics from the Bundanon Collection, in dialogue with contemporary works by Rubyrose Bancroft, Stephen Benwell and Nabilah Nordin, this exhibition celebrates the endless creativity of the human imagination.
The starting point for Fantastic Forms is the expansive selection of multi-hued drawings and curvilinear ceramics by Merric Boyd, collected by his son, Arthur Boyd, which form a cornerstone of the Bundanon Collection. Bringing his lyrical works into conversation with the very different practices of three living Australian artists, Fantastic Forms, explores the joy of artmaking and its connection to everyday life. See Fantastic Forms at David Roche Galley from 17 February to 9 May 2026.
Images: Merric Boyd. Fantastic Forms (installation view), Bundanon, 2023. Bundanon Collection. Photo: Zan Wimberley. Merric Boyd, Tree (detail), date unknown, watercolour, pencil & coloured pencil on paper. Bundanon Collection. Photo: Rob Little. Merric Boyd, Trees and post-and-rail fence (detail), date unknown, pencil and coloured pencil on paper. Bundanon Collection. Photo: Rob Little. Stephen Benwell, Red, Stocking and Dancer 2022, earthenware with porcelain slip. Courtesy of the artist and LON Gallery. Photo: Tim Gresham. Merric Boyd, Jug with trees, 1942, ceramic, earthenware, wheel-thrown, incised, under-glaze, clear glaze. Bundanon Collection. Photo: June Andersen.
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