Matters of Time: Contemporary Metal Practices

‘Matters of Time’ brings together Australian artists and designers who explore the evolving role of metal in contemporary practice and its relationship with time.

The exhibition draws upon traditional smithing techniques and contemporary metalworking approaches to trace the transformation of materials. Works are shaped by the rhythms of studio processes, demonstrating how the act of making can embody time, labour, and lived experiences. Through techniques such as hammer-forming, welding, forging, engraving, hand-piercing, and electroplating, along with the phenomena of patination and erosion, the exhibition reimagines how this enduring material can register the markings of time.

‘Matters of Time’ also addresses broader issues related to industrialisation, sustainability, and the preservation of material knowledge and artisanal skills. By rethinking our relationship to materials and the built environment, the exhibiting practitioners provide timely perspectives on the use of metal in adornment and industry, its role in extractive economies, and its potential for reuse and reimagining.

Featuring new commissions and recent works, the exhibition encompasses sculpture, furniture, drawing, jewellery, and installation. By investigating the histories and temporal possibilities inherent in working with metal, ‘Matters of Time’ invites a deeper understanding of this ubiquitous material and its ongoing significance in contemporary life.

In 2026, ‘Matters of Time’ will begin a national tour with the support of the Australian Government's Visions of Australia program.

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Curated by Catherine Woolley

Image: Shireen Taweel, Devices for seeing 2022. Image courtesy of the artist and STATION, Gadigal Nura/Sydney. Photo: Shan Turner-Carroll