The power of delicacy

A sense of simplicity, a sense of complexity, why not both in the same continuum? Realistic detail can be glorious, abstract space just as ‘full’ of whatever it is that moves us, which is what counts. I aim to create places for the viewer to roam in their own responses, hopefully into hints of the previously unknown in quite that way. Adventure! Into both mystery and platitude, commonplace and strange.
Engraving glass panels, sometimes on both sides, before it being placed over works on paper, lets me play with layering in more ways than one. Transparencies abound! The process is tricky, using a dentist drill with changing drill points and keeping water flowing over it with the other hand so the glass stays cool, but despite the noise, I continue to be drawn into its orbit. Look how it can create the silver light of night! Night and day, seasonal shifts, deep sea to far space, everything in constant interaction and change. Everything ‘dies’ and renews every second. I seek to find it beautiful.

Micky Allan
July 2025

Daylesford based artist Micky Allan has exhibited since 1975, both in Australia and overseas, after initial training at the National Gallery of Victoria Painting School under John Brack.

Micky Allan has had numerous solo exhibitions including at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, Monash University Gallery, Art Gallery of NSW and NGV. In recent years she has exhibited photographic work with collaborator Steenus von Steensen. And most recently has been included in important group shows such as Know My Name: Australian Women Artists 1900 to Now at the NGA, Canberra.

Group shows in which Micky has represented Australia internationally or Australian exhibitions with an international component include Out of Australia, prints and drawings from Sidney Nolan to Rover Thomas, The British Museum, London (2011), À Prova de Água / Waterproof, Belém Cultural Centre, Lisbon, Portugal (1998) and Spirit and Place, Art in Australia 1861-1996, Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney (1996)

Micky Allan has been awarded several artists residencies, grants and prizes and is represented in many public collections including The National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, The National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo, the Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney, The National Gallery of Victoria, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney, as well as in various corporate collections.

Opening Saturday 5 July 2.00 - 4.00pm
The Power of Delicacy will be opened by Gael Newton, renowned historian and curator. Since 2014 Gael Newton has worked as photographic arts consultant and valuer. Formerly curator of photography at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the Senior Curator of Australian and International Photography at the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Newton has worked closely with Micky Allan in placing her archive in collections.
Free