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MUMA exhibition wakes up to capitalism

21 June 2006

Angela Brennan, The Wrong Side of Capitalism 2004. Private collection, Melbourne.

A major exhibition of works by leading contemporary Australian artist Angela Brennan is on show at the Monash University Museum of Art.

Angela Brennan: Every Morning I Wake Up On the Wrong Side of Capitalism features works from 1975 to 2006, covering the full scope of the artist's intriguing and diverse oeuvre.

MUMA artistic director and exhibition co-curator Mr Max Delany said the title of the exhibition was drawn from one of Ms Brennan's paintings, based on graffiti seen by the artist.

"While some might find the title ironic given the success that has attended the artist's career, it encapsulates the relationship between the orthodox and the unorthodox -- the pitting of lawless subjectivity against the symbolic order -- that lies at the heart of Angela Brennan's art," he said.

Ms Brennan is best known for her colourful abstractions and irreverent sense of humour, depicted in portraiture, text paintings and landscapes.

Her beguiling paintings and drawings are inspired by diverse realms including formalist abstraction, linguistic philosophy, art history and the unpredictable experience of everyday life.

Ms Brennan's work is represented in major public collections including the National Gallery of Australia, National Gallery of Victoria and Monash University Collection. She has participated in numerous group exhibitions since the 1980s and has held many solo exhibitions since 1989. She was identified as one of Australia's 50 most collectable artists by Australian Art Collector magazine in 2005.

The exhibition runs until 26 August at the Monash University Museum of Art, ground floor, building 55, Wellington Road, Clayton campus. Gallery hours are Tuesdays to Fridays, 10 am -- 5 pm, and Saturdays, 2--5 pm. Entry is free.

An opening function is being held on Saturday 24 June, from 3--5 pm, with opening remarks by Australian Centre for Contemporary Art artistic director Juliana Engberg.