19 February to 18 April 2016
From the dreaded black plague to flu epidemics of the 21st century, Melbourne continues to encounter the spread of disease across the globe.
Like visitors, some diseases come and go, whereas others stay and live among us.
Whether arriving by 19th century sailing clipper or by contemporary A380 aircraft, diseases that visit Melbourne always arouse fear and can have devastating consequences.
A selection of diseases is featured in the exhibition as totemic personalities, presented as translucent cylinders hung from above and lit from within. These unsettling totems also serve as beacons, illuminating places and people as they encounter disease.
With a growing urban population, protection from mass infections cannot be taken for granted, despite Melbourne's First World medical facilities and 'most liveable' status.
Can Melbourne's diseased past be a guide to the city's future?
Curated by Bruce Copland
Bruce Copland is a freelance curator with a strong interest in environmental planning and urban social history. Past projects include curating exhibitions by public housing tenants and providing guided arts activities to people with a disability. He currently works within the health and human services portfolio of the state public service.