A new exhibition at the Griffith University Art Museum invites viewers to reimagine life in the classroom.
Common Knowledge and Learning Curves by Australian artist Keg De Souza uses objects from a traditional classroom setting, including chalkboards, uniforms and award ribbons, to explore new ways of teaching and learning.
The bright, playful exhibition space encourages visitor interaction, transforming the gallery into a school about schools. Viewers are invited to explore the exhibition space, which features a library and reading nooks, as well as areas for play, with oversized building blocks and bold use of space and colour.
The exhibition will include a series of cross-disciplinary collaborations at Griffith, with the Queensland College of Art, School of Architecture, School of Education, Autism Centre of Excellence, Gumurrii Centre and Yunus Centre partnering with the Art Museum to deliver programs and explore diverse learning environments.
Director of Griffith University Art Museum, Angela Goddard, said the show would feature an extensive series of public programs.
“An important aspect of de Souza’s intent with Common Knowledge and Learning Curves is that the show is adapted in each venue to concentrate on local communities and issues,” she said.
“Our public events will include panel discussions with members of our autism and ASD communities, reading nights by feminist and queer collectives, presentations by the Queer College of Art, weaving and seed planting workshops, and cross-cultural events such as storytelling sessions by local Indigenous elders.”
Ms Goddard said she was particularly excited by a Young Activists workshop for children, inspired by youth activists like Greta Thunberg.
“Griffith University has always been progressive, introducing Australia’s first degrees in environmental science and Asian Studies,” she said.
“It’s important that an institution distinguished by forward-thinking research continues to host events that engage with young people and the issues affecting them.”
Keg de Souza: Common Knowledge and Learning Curves opens at Griffith University Art Museum on 9 May, and runs until 13 July.
The exhibition was curated and developed by Artspace and is presented in partnership with Griffith University Art Museum.