Louise Hearman

Louise Hearman, winner of the 2016 Archibald Prize, is best known for her dark, dream-like paintings where things may, or may not be, as they seem. It is up to us to imagine what is glimmering in the half-light or lurking deep in the shadows, as she offers no written clues to the evocative contents of her works, which are always left untitled. Hearman’s paintings are often said to have a cinematic quality and like film stills they capture transient moments of imaginary time. By combining commonplace imagery with personal visions of the unknown and the unknowable, her surreal paintings hint at the wonders of the universe and the compelling nature of our nonverbal thoughts.

This is Louise Hearman’s first major museum survey and will feature painting and drawings from across her 25-year practice. Curated by Anna Davis, this is a touring exhibition organised by the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) in Sydney.

Read the exhibition catalogue essay by Anna Davis, Curator, MCA

Watch Louise Hearman | Capturing Light

Watch Louise Hearman in conversation with the MCA

Exhibition organised and toured by the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia