‘Matters of Time’ brings together Australian artists and designers who explore the evolving role of metal in contemporary practice and its relationship with time.
The exhibition draws upon traditional smithing techniques and contemporary metalworking approaches to trace the transformation of materials. Works are shaped by the rhythms of studio processes, demonstrating how the act of making can embody time, labour, and lived experiences. Through techniques such as hammer-forming, welding, forging, engraving, hand-piercing, and electroplating, along with the phenomena of patination and erosion, the exhibition reimagines how this enduring material can register the markings of time.
‘Matters of Time’ also addresses broader issues related to industrialisation, sustainability, and the preservation of material knowledge and artisanal skills. By rethinking our relationship to materials and the built environment, the exhibiting practitioners provide timely perspectives on the use of metal in adornment and industry, its role in extractive economies, and its potential for reuse and reimagining.
Featuring new commissions and recent works, the exhibition encompasses sculpture, furniture, drawing, jewellery, and installation. By investigating the histories and temporal possibilities inherent in working with metal, ‘Matters of Time’ invites a deeper understanding of this ubiquitous material and its ongoing significance in contemporary life.
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Curated by Catherine Woolley
Practitioners
Isabel & Alfredo Aquilizan
Elliot Bastianon
Bobby Corica
Wurrandan Marawili
Yioryios Papayioryiou
Vedika Rampal
Shireen Taweel
Kensuke Todo
Simone Tops
Zoë Veness
Augusta Vinall Richardson
Zoë Veness, Sky series 2025.
Installation view, ‘Matters of Time: Contemporary Metal Practices’, UNSW Galleries, 2025.
Photograph: Jacquie Manning
Installation view, ‘Matters of Time: Contemporary Metal Practices’, UNSW Galleries, 2025.
Photograph: Jacquie Manning
Installation view, ‘Matters of Time: Contemporary Metal Practices’, UNSW Galleries, 2025.
Photograph: Jacquie Manning
Augusta Vinall Richardson, Crushing Again 2024, Reflections/cut, combine I 2024, and Reflections/cut, combine II 2024.
Installation view, ‘Matters of Time: Contemporary Metal Practices’, UNSW Galleries, 2025.
Photograph: Jacquie Manning
Elliot Bastianon, X Bench 2023, Form Study, Two Tubes 2024, and Column 1 2025.
Installation view, ‘Matters of Time: Contemporary Metal Practices’, UNSW Galleries, 2025.
Photograph: Jacquie Manning
Wurrandan Marawili, Garraŋali 2022, Yathikpa 2022, Fire in the sea 2024, and Djunuŋguyaŋu at Yathikpa 2023.
Installation view, ‘Matters of Time: Contemporary Metal Practices’, UNSW Galleries, 2025.
Photograph: Jacquie Manning
Yioryios Papayioryiou, Constructed-ing 2025, Pre-Deconstructed-ing 2025, Timely structured-ing 2025.
Installation view, ‘Matters of Time: Contemporary Metal Practices’, UNSW Galleries, 2025.
Photograph: Jacquie Manning
Vedika Rampal, inscription against inscription 2025.
Installation view, ‘Matters of Time: Contemporary Metal Practices’, UNSW Galleries, 2025.
Photograph: Jacquie Manning
Kensuke Todo, Two rocks sitting 2018 and Tilted rock 2017.
Installation view, ‘Matters of Time: Contemporary Metal Practices’, UNSW Galleries, 2025.
Photograph: Jacquie Manning
Shireen Taweel, Opening inwards 2019.
Installation view, ‘Matters of Time: Contemporary Metal Practices’, UNSW Galleries, 2025.
Photograph: Jacquie Manning
Installation view, ‘Matters of Time: Contemporary Metal Practices’, UNSW Galleries, 2025.
Photograph: Jacquie Manning
Simone Tops, Untitled in blue 01 2025.
Installation view, ‘Matters of Time: Contemporary Metal Practices’, UNSW Galleries, 2025.
Photograph: Jacquie Manning
Bobby Corica, The Biologist 2024, Laws of Confluence 2024, Fair Exchanges 2024 Equilibrium 2024, and Approaching Zero 2024.
Installation view, ‘Matters of Time: Contemporary Metal Practices’, UNSW Galleries, 2025.
Photograph: Jacquie Manning.
Acknowledgement
In 2026, ‘Matters of Time’ will begin a national tour with the support of the Australian Government's Visions of Australia program.
Touring Venues
Artspace Mackay, QLD
17 April – 28 June 2026
Hervey Bay Regional Gallery, QLD
4 September – 15 November 2026
University of Sunshine Coast Gallery, QLD
1 May – 25 July 2027
Western Plains Cultural Centre, NSW
14 August – 24 October 2027
Images
Tile: Kensuke Todo, Two rocks sitting 2018. Image courtesy of the artist, Kamberri/Canberra. Photo: Brenton McGeachie
Banner: Shireen Taweel, Devices for seeing 2022. Image courtesy of the artist and STATION, Gadigal Nura/Sydney. Photo: Shan Turner-Carroll