Deus Ex Machina: Monash University Gallery Melbourne Victoria 1989
Antiquarian & Collectible Australian Art History Illustrated Non-Fiction Art & Culture Exhibition Catalogue Post-modern Art Ephemera
Deus Ex Machina: Monash University Gallery Melbourne Victoria 1989 is a scarce, pocket-sized picture book that captures a pivotal moment in Australian contemporary art. Published in 1989 and long out of print, this vintage paperback documents the landmark exhibition held at Monash University Gallery, bringing together some of the country’s most provocative artists at the close of a dynamic decade. Collectors seeking 1980s Australian ephemera, exhibition catalogues, or Mel-bourne art-scene memorabilia consistently hunt for this title because it was never re-issued and most copies were either lost or heavily handled at the show.
Inside, Peter Tapp curates over 30 pages of high-quality illustrations—installation shots, individual works, and candid behind-the-scenes photographs—alongside concise curatorial notes that place each piece in the context of late-’80s cultural politics. The book spotlights artists who would go on to define Australian post-modern practice, making it an indispensable visual reference for scholars of Antipodean art history, exhibition studies, and curatorial practice. Every page is clean and unmarked, with no inscriptions, ex-libris stamps, or underlining; the binding remains tight, ensuring the plates sit perfectly flat for scanning or display.
Because the cover carries the gentle edge-wear typical of a 35-year-old gallery giveaway, this copy is priced sensibly for both young adult enthusiasts and seasoned collectors who want readable content rather than mint shelf candy. It slips easily into a satchel, making it an ideal companion for gallery hopping, art-class presentations, or inspiration boards. Keywords that surface this listing in search results include “1989 Monash University Gallery exhibition catalogue,” “Peter Tapp Deus Ex Machina,” “Australian art zine,” “vintage Aus-tralian artist book,” and “collectible Melbourne art ephemera.”
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