Image Economies

In a visual landscape where images proliferate and morph in viral growth capable of swaying elections, mobilising mass movements and influencing identities and social norms, Image Economies offers a timely reappraisal of how the digital, networked world permeates our offline lives.

The digital tools and systems that generate, store or process data—along with the mechanisms for image production and trade—have transformed how we interact, consume media and tell stories. These processes also contribute to the way we think about the value of an image. The artists presented in Image Economies examine how images reflect and shape our perception of the world in an increasingly mediated reality.

Featuring new commissions and existing works by seventeen artists and collectives from across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and the Asia Pacific region, including works drawn from the Monash University Collection, the exhibition examines materiality, identity, data sovereignty, authenticity and the circulation of digital assets.

Through painting, printmaking, installation and video—spanning from the mid-twentieth century to today—the artists presented in Image Economies address how analogue and now digital processes have reshaped narrative structures, knowledge accessibility and cultural legacy to consider human agency in an increasingly automated world.

Access:
Physical access: MUMA is a ground-floor, wheelchair-accessible gallery with accessible and all-gender bathrooms. Gallery spaces are well lit and on a level surface. Contact us for a parking map or further information.
Visually described tours: Get in touch by email to muma@monash.edu or phone 03 9905 4217 to make an appointment for a visually described tour (for blind or low vision visitors).


^{Image: Victoria Todorov, Untitled (Cicciolina) 2024 (detail). Courtesy of the artist.}