Ian Bracegirdle:
The question of belonging permeates much of my studio output. Being a child migrant clearly affects my connection to the land. It is a strange place, with its own rhythms, regularly and brutally interrupted by human incursions. I often piece together drawings from excursions and immersion. The studio paintings are rarely representations of a single specific location but are collected narratives. The portrait works have been driven by the notion of ageing and invisibility, often cited by older members of the community. Whereas the recent sculptural forms explore a different kind of personal landscape, in the issues of conflict over geography, the resulting diaspora and displacement.
Ian Bracegirdle studied a Diploma of Fine Art at Caulfield institute of Technology and a Graduate Diploma in sculpture at the Victorian College of the Arts. Ian has been responsible for many projects in Australia and internationally, including an appointment as designer for the River Parade at Melbourne Commonwealth Games. Working as a designer over many years he has been responsible Exhibitions at the National Museum, The National War memorial, Museum Victoria and the South Australian Museum. As well has his significant contribution in the design field, he regularly exhibits his studio work, the most recent work has been shown at 45 downstairs and the Montalto Sculpture Prize.
Ian is also a singer song/writer releasing his album in 2025 “the weather is broken” with his band Blueboat theory
Ponch Hawkes:
ARCOLATRY. AND SPACE
Bears and humans have been dancing in my dreaming, awake and asleep for some time now. About two years ago I read an article about bears and hibernation and how the scientists engaged in space exploration, saw promise in unlocking the mystery of this animal that could sleep for six months, not eat or defecate and still maintain its bone density and muscle mass.
Humans can’t match it. We just don’t have it, we can’t be bears.
PONCH HAWKES has a long established photographic practice. Her work explores the themes of the body, the environment, community and relationships through a feminist perspective often using her imagery to engage in contemporary critical debates. In 2026 her work was exhibited at The Australian National Gallery and the National Gallery of Victoria. This is her first painting exhibition.
Image: ‘sex death country’, Ian Bracegirdle and Ponch Hawkes, 2026, oil on board, 39.3 x 39.3 cm
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