Melbourne to Sydney
It’s March 2026 and I’m travelling from Melbourne to Sydney for a single exhibition: Ron Mueck. He’s been one of my favourite artists for years, so there was never much doubt that I’d make the trip.
How I Found Him
I first came across his work long before I knew him as a sculptor. Back then, I was fascinated by the fact that he worked in special effects and model-making before moving fully into the art world. Once I saw his sculptures, I understood why so many people were drawn to them.
I Enjoy His Art
A lot of what I enjoy in art comes back to people. Human anatomy, body language, expressions, the small details that communicate emotion without saying a word. Ron Mueck’s work brings all of that together in a way that feels incredibly precise and deeply human.
Three Reasons I Was Excited
Learning that he was Australian was the first surprise.
Finding out he was from Melbourne made the connection feel a little closer to home.
Then came the announcement of a solo exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
At that point, the trip practically planned itself.
Finally Standing in Front of Them
I arrived at the gallery and made my way straight to the exhibition.
Seeing the sculptures in person was a completely different experience from seeing photographs online. The scale, the detail, and the craftsmanship are difficult to appreciate until you’re standing a few metres away. The way the light falls across the skin, the texture of the surfaces, the subtle expressions on each face. Every piece invites you to stop and look a little longer.
At times, the sculptures felt uncannily real, as though they might shift position the moment you looked away.
What I Took Away
More than anything, I appreciated the opportunity to see the work up close. I left feeling grateful that I’d made the journey, and, like most visitors, I couldn’t resist taking a few photos to remember the experience.