Event description
Art and crime have always intersected in Australian art history and culture, from early convict artists to contemporary thefts, forgeries, and the illicit trade of cultural artifacts. Some of our most famous artworks are centred on outlaws, like Nolan’s Ned Kelly series; others document and critique our legal systems, taking up colonial violence, corruption, and the fight to find justice for marginalized communities.
In 2025-2026, the Australian Institute of Art History is focusing on Art + Crime. This panel discussion is the first in a series of events on this theme. It brings together an expert group of artists, critics, and curators, to explore some of the intersections of art, violence, creativity, and the law. This discussion is also to celebrate and reflect on a recent collaboration between the AIAH and Memo journal: a special focus section on Art + Crime in the most recent Memo issue.
Speakers
Tristen Harwood
Tristen Harwood (Ngalakgan) is an art writer living on unceded Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country. He teaches in Critical and Theoretical Studies at the Victorian College of the Arts and is a Senior Editor at Memo magazine.
Helen Hughes
Helen Hughes is Deputy Head of the Fine Art Department at Monash University, and a Senior Lecturer in Art History, Theory, and Curatorial.
Lisa Sullivan
Lisa Sullivan is Senior Curator at Geelong Gallery where she leads the delivery of the annual exhibition program and contributes to the development, research and interpretation of the collection.
Moderators
Hilary Thurlow
Hilary Thurlow is a PhD Candidate at Monash University in Art History & Theory. She is also a Senior Editor of Memo Magazine and edited Issue 3’s special focus on 'Art & Crime’ with Tristen Harwood.
Anne Dunlop
Professor Anne Dunlop FAHA is the Director of the AIAH, and the author of Andrea del Castagno and the Limits of Art, focused on a 15th century artist accused of murder by later writers.
Location and accessibility
The event will be held at Market Hall, located on the ground floor of Building 189, on our Parkville campus. View the map reference here. The main entry is via the north/south Doors, which are accessible.
Enquiries
Please send your enquiries to Professor Anne Dunlop at anne.dunlop@unimelb.edu.au.
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