Join us for our Word Up! Art, Text, Design Exhibition Launch at the Margaret Whitlam Galleries on the 22 August, 5pm. Opening address will be provided by Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, Vice-Chancellor and President at Western Sydney University.

Word Up! presents contemporary Australian artworks in textiles, jewellery, ceramics, video, prints and neon, alongside artists’ designed posters that use text for social commentary, activism, promotion and self-expression.

Art and text have long been intertwined, because words have power!

Many of the artists in the exhibition use text to reclaim their own stories or that of their marginalised communities. They are expressing themselves as truth tellers and are asserting their identities. Many of the artworks in this exhibition are conceptually formed through the lens of Indigenous Australians’ fight for self-determination and recognition, women’s equity and feminism, and LGBTQI+ rights and acceptance. The artworks often use colour, humour and joy to traverse these issues.

Exhibiting artists:

Amala Groom, David McDiarmid, Elvis Richardson. Garage Graphix, Gerry Wedd, Jessica Wheelahan, Kate Just, Kelly Dolly, Kenny Pittock, Troy-Anthony Baylis, Martin Sharp, Min Wong, Owen Leong, Reg Mombassa for Mambo Graphics, Paul Yore, r e a, Sarah Edmondson, Tony Garifalakis, and Zoe Brand

Exhibition Curated by Margaret Hancock, Senior Curator Western Sydney Creative

Word Up! is supported with a series of exciting public programs developed by the curator in collaboration with Dr Leo Robba, Associate Dean of Engagement – HCA, and Dr Kate Fagan, Director of the Writing and Society Research Centre.

The Margaret Whitlam Galleries are located on Western Sydney University Parramatta South Campus, Rydalmere, first floor, Building EZ, Margaret Whitlam Galleries are open to the public on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm.