The singular work in this exhibition by artist Gian Manik is a portrait of Ralph McLean (1957–2010), the first openly gay person to be elected as Mayor in Australia (former City of Fitzroy, 1984-85) and a gay rights and social justice advocate.
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Having researched the City of Yarra Collection, the reference image Manik used for the portrait was one of only two images he found of McLean. The work’s format, execution and framing speaks to the agency of significant historical and cultural collections and commissions.
Gian Manik ‘Ralph McLean’
Friday 11 November 2022 – Friday 27 January 2023
Richmond Town Hall, 333 Bridge Road. Richmond VIC