The role of curator
Elle is Assistant Curator of Australian Paintings and Sculpture. She previously worked at the Anne and Gordon Samstag Museum of Art, where she developed a strong interest in mid-twentieth-century Australian sculpture. Elle holds a master’s degree in Curatorial and Museum Studies and a graduate diploma in Art History from the University of Adelaide.
When displaying her work for exhibition, Beckett grouped her works in themes, which was quite different from the usual way artists hung their work. The present moment has been thematically displayed around the shifts in time that chart the chronology of one single day. What are some other thematic ways the works of art in this exhibition could have been displayed?
Imagine Dušan and Voitre Marek: Surrealists at sea was to tour regionally throughout Australia. However, only 5 works of art can go on the road. Which 5 works would you select and why?
Write a new wall label for your favourite work of art by either Dušan or Voitre Marek.
How do the sound and visual effects in the exhibition enhance the works you see on the walls? Select a work of art by Dušan or Voitre Marek and pair a contemporary and historical piece of music to accompany it. Why did you make your selections?
Research a single Australian artist of your choosing and create a hypothetical exhibition of that artist’s work. Create a tableaux or mood board that illustrates the works of art you selected for the exhibition as well as any additional audio or visual components.
Introducing Dušan and Voitre Marek
Find out more about Czech-Australian Marek brothers
Experiences of war
Learn about the impact of the Communist coup in Czechoslovakia
The voyage: immigration to Australia
Learn more about Dušan and Voitre’s journey to Australia
Life in Australia: Surrealism, travel & the ocean
Discover more about the brothers' long and varied life in Australia
What is Surrealism?
Explore surreal works in the permanent collection
A surreal adventure
Activities for your voyage into the exhibition
The Gallery’s Learning programs are supported by the Department for Education.
Art Gallery of South Australia staff Elle Freak, Kylie Neagle and Dr. Lisa Slade contributed to the development of this resource.