Exhibitions

Chinese folding fan open on a grey background. The blades are intricately carved ivory and the painted paper surface (leaves) portrays a busy landscape, depicting what looks like a historic scene with many small brightly coloured figures.]

Reflections of Asia: Behind the Scenes with Conservation

December 11, 2018

The Conservation department plays a crucial role in the preparation of the Museum's exhibitions. From the early stages of the exhibition development Conservators work closely with other members of the exhibition team, especially Curators, Designers and Registrars.

View of an exhibition title ‘Reflections of Asia: Collectors and Collection on a white wall and an art work made of blue wire.

Reflections of Asia: Collectors and Collections at MAAS

December 5, 2018

Of 10,000 or so objects in the Museum’s Asian collections, only about 10% have ever been on display. The exhibition titled Reflections of Asia: Collectors and Collections showcases over 500 objects from this extensive collection, developed over 140 years, including wood and lacquerwork, ceramics, metalwork, dress and textiles, contemporary fashion and art.

Plinth with 4 female mannequins and 2 male mannequins wearing a mixture of casual and formal clothing.

Slow fashion and upcycling – an interview with Rachael Cassar

October 31, 2018

Concerns about the harmful impact of the global fashion industry on the environment and worker exploitation, particularly in the case of low priced, low quality fast fashion, has prompted the exploration of alternative ways to source materials and produce garments.

Behind the scenes: Museum object detective work

September 19, 2018

Some of the rewarding aspects of the exhibition development process involve content development such as writing the storyline and text for labels and theme panels, and researching and selecting objects.

Photograph of the Macaroni Ensemble Suit on display

Men getting dressed: installing a fashion exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum

May 23, 2018

The four-week installation of the touring exhibition Reigning Men: Fashion in Menswear, 1715-2015 was one of the most complex that I have ever been involved in. At the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS), we displayed over 130 ensembles and single garments, primarily from the permanent collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), which was an edited version of the original exhibition first shown at LACMA in 2016.

Wedding dress of nylon, lace and seed pearls, made by Bonwit Teller

Love is… Highlights from the MAAS wedding dress collection

February 13, 2018

Marriage has been practiced in myriad forms across time and communities. It has no universal model and is in a frequent state of flux as it adjusts and responds to the changing political, economic and social milieu.

Photograph of the Plasma Ball in Experimentations

Experimentations Upgrade

December 13, 2017

The Experimentations exhibition opened in 1988 and has proved popular with our younger visitors ever since. Aimed at children aged 5-12 years, their parents, teachers and carers, the exhibition is designed to be an informal learning space that inspires curiosity and questioning, and allows visitors to play and experiment with materials and processes.

Fashion shoot in front of Sydney Opera House

Faith Fashion Fusion: Muslim Women’s Style in Australia

December 7, 2017

Project Manager Kate Ford and Curator Glynis Jones recently installed Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS) travelling exhibition Faith Fashion Fusion: Muslim Women’s Style in Australia at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) in Kuala Lumpur.

'I'm Voting Yes' poster, Unions NSW, 2017

Marriage Equality: for posterity

November 15, 2017

In 2004, the Liberal government under John Howard rushed legislation into parliament which changed the definition of marriage in Australia. The 2004 amendments are: 5 (1) marriage means the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.

Photograph, Wedding portrait of Fiona (Fanni) Macris and Basilios Minas

Stories of love, migration and community

October 3, 2017

Love takes us on a journey. Today I'd like to take you on a heartfelt journey exploring some experiences of women with Greek heritage unearthed during my research for a migration and community story for the Love Is…Australian Wedding Fashion exhibition.

Mannequins of George and Charis Schwarz with their motorcycle on display in Love Is exhibition

Love affair with a 1965 BMW motorcycle

September 20, 2017

I recently acquired a classic 1965 BMW R50 model 500cc touring and sports motorcycle. It's in wonderful condition and has been lovingly owned and maintained by the donors, Charis and George Schwarz, in Sydney for over 50 years.

Microgravity – A small exhibition

July 5, 2017

In late 2016 the exhibition Gravity (and Wonder) explored the human fascination with gravity, space and time through scientific investigations and artistic explorations. In a partnership between Penrith Regional Gallery & The Lewers Bequest and the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences curators Dr Lee-Anne Hall and Katie Dyer developed a three month program of events & workshops to support the exhibition.

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