West End Art Space unveils trio of thought-provoking exhibitions

West Melbourne’s West End Art Space presents three compelling solo exhibitions this month, each offering a distinct lens on human perception, societal complexity, and emotional introspection.

Running from May 3 to 25, the exhibitions – A Wonderful Life by Stephen Tierney, Surface Tension by Miranda Smith, and The Inhabitants by Geoff Harrison – invite viewers to engage deeply with contemporary themes through innovative visual approaches.

In A Wonderful Life, Stephen Tierney uses the power of collage to explore the dissonance between idealised happiness and real-world turmoil.

Drawing on photojournalism from the 1950s and ‘60s, Stephen juxtaposes images of joy and leisure with stark representations of war, sexism, and unrest. The result is a striking commentary on the myths we maintain around fulfilment and progress.

Through bold imagery and dramatic black-and-white contrasts, the exhibition asks its audience to question the very foundations of the “wonderful life” narrative.

Miranda Smith’s Surface Tension transforms the act of photography into a vibrant exploration of light, movement, and instability.

Rather than treating the camera as a neutral observer, Miranda uses it as a tool to create painterly compositions where colour becomes a fluid force.

The exhibition includes an artist talk on May 17, offering visitors a chance to delve deeper into Miranda's process.

In Gallery 1, Geoff Harrison presents The Inhabitants, a series of atmospheric paintings that offer meditative scenes suffused with psychological tension.

Often ambiguous in setting, Geoff’s works focus on the quiet interplay between light and space, creating visual environments that resonate with both accessibility and introspection.

Through these hauntingly still landscapes, Geoff confronts his own anxieties and hopes, inviting viewers to reflect on their own inner worlds.

All three exhibitions opened with a joint reception on May 8, providing an opportunity to meet the artists and experience the diversity of expression housed under one roof.

Founded in 2016, West End Art Space has become a vital fixture in Melbourne’s contemporary art scene.

Under the direction of visual artist and restoration expert Anna Prifti, the gallery is known for supporting both Australian and international artists with a strong exhibition history.

Anna’s background in preserving mural paintings and Byzantine iconography informs the gallery’s broader mission: to nurture creative practices while safeguarding cultural heritage. •