In Conversation with Michael Camakaris

Join acclaimed artist Michael Camakaris in conversation with Liz Nowell, Executive Director of Arts Project Australia, as they delve into the conceptual genesis and artistic evolution behind his immersive exhibition, The Fall of Icarus.

A rare opportunity for audiences to gain insight into Camakaris’ process, and the mythology and poetic themes that underpin the work, culminating in a moderated audience Q&A.

Michael Camakaris is a multi-disciplinary artist whose practice encompasses drawing, painting, collage, printmaking and ceramics. Instantly recognisable by his distinctive artistic thumbprint, characterised by fine detailing and layered graphical mark-making. Camakaris is a skilled draftsperson whose conceptual compositions often reference art history; with gestures of surrealism to dada and abstraction. His practice comments on industrialisation and the environment through the depiction of apocalyptic scenes and sensitive renderings of the natural world. Working in the Arts Project studio since 2010, Camakaris has exhibited widely. His work is held in in private collections worldwide.

Camakaris holds a Diploma of Visual Arts, RMIT (1999) and recently completed a 12-month traineeship with Leonard Joel supported by Interact Australia and Arts Project Australia, to gain arts industry experience. He is an original member of the Northcote Penguins, a professional practice art collective at Arts Project Australia.

Liz Nowell has over 15 years of experience as a curator and cultural leader in Australian and international contemporary art. She has held leadership positions at Adelaide Contemporary Experimental (ACE), Contemporary Art Centre of South Australia, and most recently the Institute of Modern Art (IMA), where she was Executive Director from 2019 – 2022. Prior to working as an Executive Director, Liz held curatorial positions at the Brooklyn Museum, Hazelhurst Regional Gallery, and Tandanya – National Aboriginal Cultural Institute. She is the recipient of a New Work Grant (Early Career), Early Career Residency Grant (both Creative Australia), a Dame Joan Sutherland Foundation Grant and in 2018 was recognised by InDaily as one of 40 under 40 business leaders in South Australia.

Please note the exhibition accompanying this talk includes the following:

Low lighting: Please note this exhibition uses low lighting, which may be challenging for visitors with low vision. If you require additional lighting or assistance, please ring the doorbell on arrival and a staff member will ensure they can adjust the lighting for you, or guide you through the space.

Sound components: The exhibition includes sound-based elements that may affect those with audio sensitivities. It is recommended to wear headphones if you wish to control the audio levels. Earmuffs are available for visitors should you require them.

Video components: This exhibition features projected video and LED lighting elements that may cause discomfort for individuals with visual sensitivities.

Assistance is available: A doorbell is located near the entrance to alert staff if you need any assistance or require adjustments during your visit. Alternatively, you are welcome to call ahead to make specific arrangements for your visit.

Visitor monitoring: To help ensure your safety and assist with any accessibility needs, there is a camera in the space. Please rest assured that you are not being recorded—this camera simply alerts gallery staff when visitors are present.

The Arts Project Australia gallery has accessible toilets in the Perry Street Building. They are located in the northern end of the building. On the upper ground level they are located off the northern side of the service corridor. On L1 and L2 they are located behind blue manual double doors.

Entry 30A Perry Street is wheelchair accessible and offers direct access to the Courtyard, Perry Street Building upper ground and Johnston Street Building upper ground.

Lift access is available to visit other buildings and levels.