Artist Talk: Max Athans

Early-career experimental artist and Winner of the 2025 Jeremy Hynes Award, Max Athans will present their first institutional show, Breathform at the Institute of Modern Art this quarter.

In Breathform, Athans has constructed 3D-printed sound sculptures, hybridising human and animal, doll and machine.

Join Max Athans in conversation with Assistant Director Program, Nicholas Aloisio-Shearer, as they discuss Breathform and explore the themes that permeate Athans' practice.

Breathform is on show at the Institute of Modern Art, Meanjinn/Brisbane from 12 July–20 September 2025.

Artist Bio

Max Athans uses computer imaging to address concerns of contemporary history, image politics, and digital subculture. They make sculptures, videos, and graphics, and have shown at Outer Space and Boxcopy in Meanjin/Brisbane. They live in Meanjin/Brisbane.

Jeremy Hynes Award

Jeremy Hynes was a much-loved figure in the Meanjin/Brisbane art scene. In the 1990s, he was known for his audacious, daredevil performance art, and experimental video work. Since 2009, the IMA has had the honour of presenting the Jeremy Hynes Award to an early-career experimental Queensland artist, from a bequest made by the late experimental artist’s family in his name.

Max Athans is the eighth and final recipient of the award.

Previous recipients include Aha Ensemble, Tay Haggarty, Lu Forsberg, Liam O'Brien, Chris Howlett, Alex Cuffe and Aaron Burton.

Image: Max Athans 'Breathmachine' render, 2025.