Reflecting on the House of Mirrors

The La Trobe Art Institute is bringing together art and academia for a unique talk series in partnership with the House of Mirrors art installation at Bendigo’s Rosalind Park.

La Trobe Vice Chancellor John Dewar said the House of Mirrors and Exhibiting Culture lecture series was a coup for Bendigo and the University.

“Bendigo Art Gallery has once again drawn an incredible showpiece and the University is proud to be contributing to its showing in such a significant way,” Professor Dewar said.

The LAI, part of La Trobe University, will host expert panellists - including its own science professors and arts alumni - in a series of talks aimed at shedding new light on the nationally acclaimed installation.

The four-part Exhibiting Culture series kicks off on 18 April when House of Mirrors artists Keith Courtney and Christian Wagstaff will discuss what inspired and motivated them to create their masterful installation.

The remaining lectures will explore the House of Mirrors in the context of art and social history, design, mathematics and science, followed by drinks and a private viewing of the installation.

Senior Curator of Sydney University Museums and Chair of Art Monthly Australasia, Dr Ann Stephen, will explore 50 years of the mirror and illusion in art.

Australian Centre for the Moving Image Curator, Fiona Trigg, will discuss the history of illusion in art and funfairs with La Trobe Alumni and artist Dr Karen Annett-Thomas.

La Trobe Art Institute Director Karen Quinlan said the talks were an opportunity for members of the public to experience the installation in a new way.

“The LAI has put together a dynamic and engaging lecture series which will enhance the viewing public’s experience of House of Mirrors,” Ms Quinlan said.

“It’s a wonderful example of how experts from different worlds, including our own academics, can come together to offer unique insights on what really is an incredible art experience.”

For more information and to purchase tickets go to https://www.latrobe.edu.au/art-institute/upcoming-events

Photo: House of Mirrors artists Christian Wagstaff and Keith Courtney

Credit: Keith Wagstaff ACS