Eight exhibitions to see in Melbourne this spring

The art exhibitions in Melbourne this spring are in tune with the weather – they’re weird and unpredictable (and we love it that way). There’s an exhibit dedicated to furry friends, another dedicated to vermin, and another that looks at science fiction through a non-Western lens. There are also blockbuster shows featuring prominent Australian artists Reko Rennie and Tony Clarke.

Showcasing Italy’s rich craft history and its post-war economic boom, this exhibition brings an eclectic range of modernist projects to Australia. It features more than 180 objects, including furniture company Gufram’s signature Pratone, a grass-inspired lounge chair. There’s also a Vespa, an original Italian coffee maker and a 1957 Fiat Nuova 500.
Until March 23, 2025

This free exhibition brings together the ideas of 29 artists and collectives who combine art and technology to reinterpret classic Western science fiction narratives and imagery. The interactive exhibition explores the possible roots of science fiction in Asian philosophy and spirituality in nine chapters. It also champions female and diverse cultural voices in a way that Western science fiction does not typically do. It involves reimagining the Hindu fertility goddess Lakshmi as an environmental savior and a demon who punishes adults for social media abuse.
Until May 2025.

Tennant Creek Brio, an all-male artist collective based in Warumungu Country in the Northern Territory, first came together in 2016 when the group initiated an outreach program at the local Anyingini Health Aboriginal Corporation men’s centre. Eight years later, ACCA presents its first major study. The free exhibition explores missions, mining, Aboriginal cultural heritage, regional and global art influences and more – all through the lens of a frontier community. The installations, paintings, video works and collages presented in the exhibition explore personal, political and historical aspects.
Until November 17.

Picture this: a hot pink 1973 Holden Monaro speeding through Melbourne’s west, its ‘ACAB 1’ license plate spinning, the car moving through a series of burnouts, an opera soundtrack playing in the background. This Initiating OA_RR a three-part video installation by Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie, which is one of the works featured in his first retrospective. The exhibition brings together more than 100 of Rennie’s works and explores the artist’s experience as an Aboriginal person in contemporary society.
Until January 27, 2025.

Maria Kozich: Parasite, Neon Park

Are you scared of parasites? In a new series of paintings for Neon Parc, Kozic explores the parasite as an analogy for humanity, detailing each parasitic form through human eyes. An Australian artist’s art explores how parasites can be characterized in a post-pandemic world.
Until November 16th.

If you want to find out who Melbourne’s up-and-coming artists are, check out the annual Gertrume Studios exhibition, which has been showcasing new work from emerging artists since 1985. This free exhibition offers a snapshot of 13 new faces in contemporary art, including photography, video and performance artist Arini Bing; poet, installation artist and printmaker Chunxiao Qu; and sculptor and installation artist Murina Bonini.
Until December 15th.

Tony Clarke is one of Australia’s most distinguished artists, whose varied and exploratory work is tinged with a sense of punk irreverence. In Tony Clark: Ridiculous, Buxton Contemporary brings together more than 100 works from the artist’s 40-year career. Described as “unclassifiable”, Clarke’s practice spans chromatic landscapes, sculpture and painting. This is the largest presentation of his work since 1998.
Until June 1, 2025.

Throughout history, cats and dogs have held a special place in people’s hearts. This exhibition at the Ian Potter Center pays tribute to their important role in our lives and their influence on visual culture. Bringing together more than 200 works from the gallery’s collection, including works by Alexander McQueen, Pierre Bonnard, Jeff Koons, Grace Cossington Smith and Rembrandt van Rijn, the exhibition shows how pets have inspired artists and designers since ancient times.
Until July 20, 2025

Additional reporting by Emma Joyce.