Lost & Found - Peter Lyssiotis and John Wolseley: the adventures of two artists in the State Library of Victoria is a major new exhibition on show for three months in the Keith Murdoch Gallery.
Recipients of the inaugural State Library of Victoria Creative Fellowships in 2003–04, Lyssiotis and Wolseley immersed themselves in the holdings of the Library. As they investigated, uncovered and retrieved, many conversations arose: between historical texts and contemporary ideas, between ancient civilisations and current global politics, and between art and nature.
The results are two new bodies of work, including paintings, drawings, prints and artists’ books, which respond to and reflect upon significant texts and images in the Library's collections.
While each artist’s work is unique, it is possible to trace a number of related threads through their practices. These include an interest in the Library as a repository of images and writings about nature and cultures that have since disappeared or are under threat.
New works by each artist are displayed alongside rare books and pictures from the Library's collections which inspired their creation. The artists' own notebooks, sketches and source material, which document their ‘journeys’, are also exhibited. This gives visitors a rare opportunity to gain insight into the artistic process, the translation from idea into art object.
As well as delving into the archives of the Library, the artists also engaged with the contemporary world to create these works. For example, John Wolseley has spent time in the Mallee district and drawn on biogeographical subjects, such as birdsong and the habits of lichens. Peter Lyssiotis has investigated the ever-shifting ground of the Middle East, particularly Iraq.
A series of associated events and activities complements the exhibition.
See Exhibition-related Talks & Forums for information on talks about Lost & Found.
See What's On for information about free tours of Lost & Found. | 
