In the most comprehensive presentation of his practice since 2005, Diaspora, Psyche brings into dialogue two of Young’s most significant bodies of work: the History Projects (2008-2019) and the celebrated Double Ground Paintings (1995-2005). This pairing will contextualise Young’s recent focus on the history of the Chinese in Australia since 1840 within his four-decades long investigation into the condition of diaspora and the negotiation of bicultural ethics and perspectives.

This exhibition brings together, for the first-time, key paintings and installations to present an exploration of transcultural perspectives, examining how meaning is created through historic expressions of cross-cultural ethics, material and cultural exchange, and the effects of diasporic experience on the psyche.

Diaspora, Psyche will be supported by a selection of research and archival material that has informed these works to provide visitors with greater insight into the complexities of the artist's working practices.

John Young AM is one of Australia's most senior Asian Australian artists. Distinguished nationally and internationally, his work has been exhibited widely throughout Australia as well as overseas, representing Australia at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York and the Kennedy Centre, Washington; as well as large-scale touring exhibitions initiated by Australia in the Asia-Pacific; and most recently in a globally touring exhibition curated by the Aga Khan Museum, Toronto (2019-2021).

Familiarise yourself with our latest exhibition before you come to visit with this walkthrough video.

Please view our accessibility resource and feel free to print this to bring with you on your visit. 

Image:
John YOUNG
Three Worlds, 2004
(from the Double Ground Paintings: The Persian Paintings)
digital print and oil on linen
189.5 x 231.5 cm
Private collection

Exhibition Program
Immerse yourself even deeper in Diaspora, Psyche with these exhibition events including:

Signature Events
Enjoy the exploration of art and ideas through dance and discussion.

Home(s) - Saturday 14 August, 2.00 pm
Home(s) is a collaboration between artists from contemporary dance, street dance and experimental music backgrounds who delve into their complex identities as second-generation immigrants in Australia. Unravelling their experiences, the dance work investigates their sense of belonging at the crossroads of diverse cultural influences. 

Diaspora, Psyche: Panel Discussion - Saturday 14 August, 3.30 pm
How does diaspora — the dispersion of peoples to other parts of the world — inform the reality of contemporary Australia and how different communities fit into this place? Join James Nguyen, Sangeeta Sandrasegar and John Young with moderator Carolyn Barnes as they discuss how the experience of diaspora has informed their work and ideas about the world.

Art Bites
Join us at Bunjil Place on the third Sunday of the month for Art Bites, an art talks program that provides a taster of art terminology and creative art practice. Perfect for those interested in learning a bit more about art in a relaxed and welcoming environment.  

Art Bites: Post Modernism – Post Colonialism - Sunday 18 July, 2.00 pm
In July, Associate Professor Carolyn Barnes will provide an introduction to Post Modernism and Post Colonialism.

Art Bites: John Young Artist Talk - Sunday 22 August, 2.00 pm
This month, artist John Young will speak about his creative practice, and current exhibition Diaspora, Psyche.

Curator Talk: An introduction to ‘John Young: Diaspora, Psyche’ - Thursday 1 July, Thursday 5 August, and Thursday 2 September, 12.00 pm each day
Join us at Bunjil Place Gallery on the first Thursday of the month to hear from Bunjil Place Gallery Curator Penny Teale. Each month, Teale will discuss a work featured in John Young’s latest survey exhibition Diaspora, Psyche.

Children & Families
The youngest art lovers in our community are invited to join in workshops and activities designed especially for them and their families.  

Wednesday Holiday Workshop: Moon Lamp - Wednesday 30 June, 11.00 am
Your kids are invited to join us for a moon lamp making session at our place! A fun way to keep creative little minds busy and happy during the winter break.

Wednesday Holiday Workshop: Paper Collage Daffodils - Wednesday 7 July, 11.00 am
Inspired by our latest exhibition, John Young: Diaspora, Psyche your kids can learn and enjoy the beautiful process of creating paper collage daffodils. A magnificent way of exploring the use of nature and paper during these school holidays.

Paper Collage Daffodils from home
Missed our school holiday workshop? All good, we've pulled together everything you need to create paper daffodils from home. 

In John Young’s series of artworks called The Double Ground Paintings he builds layers on each artwork by taking readily available images he finds in magazines or on the internet, and hand paints layers of images over the top of another image. In this Paper Daffodil activity we use a similar collage process to create layers and choose from everyday materials found at home, like newspapers. Flowers can be found in the artworks of John Young including paintings of the Flower Market in Nanjing. In these paintings John uses found images of old postcards and paints over them with images of fresh flowers and corals to create another layer to the artwork. You can also find daffodils in some of John’s artworks. Did you know daffodils symbolize new beginnings? Download the instructions & template below and start creating!

Paper Daffodil Instructions
Paper Daffodil Template

Experience Bunjil Place Gallery’s latest exhibition a little differently by taking an augmented reality tour.

As part of your visit, download the Eyejack app via the QR code. Open the app and select Launch AR in the John Young exhibition event. You can then point your phone’s camera at seven key artworks located throughout the exhibition Diaspora, Psyche to unlock some of the hidden stories about John Young and his work.