The physical exhibition is now CLOSED.
We invite you to learn more about it on this website.
This was the first stand-alone exhibition celebrating the work of “master thief” and artist Peter Lyssiotis. It explored his 40-year career through hand-crafted artists’ books and a rich personal archive to consider how we use memory – and art – to respond to the world.
The exhibition was held at the Sir Louis Matheson Library, Monash University Library from 2 April 2025 to 19 May 2026.
Discover an artist whose photomontage and writing reflect on migration, memory, and social change. His creative approach blends surreal imagery with poetic storytelling, offering a thoughtful perspective on history and contemporary issues.
Learn more about his journey and artistic practice >
Blurring the line between traditional publishing and tactile, handmade art, these unique works invite interaction and challenge conventional notions of what a book can be. From DIY movements to finely stitched bindings, they reflect a dynamic history of creativity and experimentation.
This exhibition invites you to journey beside a self-described “master thief” from Cyprus to East Burwood via Europe and the Middle East. Looking at Lyssiotis’ work from across 40 years, we hope to share his experience of how memory shapes our future and how art responds to the world.
The exhibition is arranged into four themes, listed below. Choose a theme to learn more about, or read about all four themes.
Monash University Library is a leading and dynamic contributor to the intellectual and cultural life of the nation. Through the University Library’s program, exhibitions like Silence is no Refuge showcase our diverse collections, demonstrate best practice in visual arts, museum and curatorial research, develop student work skills and extend and promote community engagement. View our past exhibitions.
FREE ENTRY
LOCATION
The Gallery, ground floor, Sir Louis Matheson Library, Clayton.
This exhibition was proudly developed by Monash University Library
CURATORS
Anne Holloway – Special Collections Curator, Monash University Library
Kerri Klumpp – Special Collections Librarian, Monash University Library
CURATORIAL ADVISOR
Peter Lyssiotis – Writer, photographer and artist
EXHIBITION DESIGN
Megan Atkins Studio – meganatkins.com
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