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Creative Acts

Artists and their inspirations

Step inside the unseen inner worlds of artists to discover the intense, sometimes otherworldly forces that drive creation in Creative Acts.

This bold exhibition at State Library Victoria features new commissions by visionary Australian creators alongside collection highlights from the Library that trace the spiritual connections, rituals and deeply personal quests behind artistic practice.

Experience how Joan Lindsay dreamt Picnic at Hanging Rock into being, how Howard Arkley’s Tudor Village series was inspired by Melbourne’s Fitzroy Gardens and how bohemian icon Vali Myers drew from her transcendent ties with animals.

Commissioned works include Peter Carey on True History of the Kelly Gang, Dr Chandrabhanu OAM’s classical Odissi dance, Dr Deanne Gilson’s painting sharing her Wadawurrung ancestors’ Creation story, Barry William Hale’s 9-metre automatic drawing and Bundit Puangthong’s vivid mural of childhood and culture.

Plan your visit today

Free exhibition
Date
15 August 2025 – 31 May 2026
Location
Victoria Gallery,
State Library Victoria
328 Swanston Street, Melbourne

From the collection

1/8
Vali Myers
(1930–2003)
Foxy 1973
Visual diary
Vali Myers archive
H2018.432

About the artists

Peter Carey
Peter Carey is the award-winning author of more than 20 novels, short stories and screenplays.
Dr Chandrabhanu OAM
Dr Chandrabhanu OAM is a master dancer whose career spans more than forty years. He specialises in பரதநாட்டியம் Bharatanātyam and ଓଡ଼ିଶୀ Odissi.
Dr Deanne Gilson
Dr Deanne Gilson is a proud Wadawurrung woman and artist living and working on her ancestral home of Ballarat.

The commissions

Peter Carey
1000 Days: Peter Carey on True History of the Kelly Gang
Dr Chandrabhanu OAM

Dasamahavidya
2025

Dr Deanne Gilson
Bundjil Morrgalyu Turt Barram Murrup, Bundjil and the Evening Star Spirits
2024–25

Monograph films

Monograph is a series of creative short-format documentary films that convey the humanity and passion surrounding the Library and its diverse activities. The series title refers to the singular focus of each film – a brief but deep dive into a person’s life, their work and their connection to the Library.
Dr Deanne Gilson
Bundit Puangthong

Accessibility

Access and inclusion
The Library provides facilities and services for people with disabilities.

Further reading

Collection Highlights
Browse through selected collection items included in the exhibition.