BENDIGO life FIESTA
curated by Ivan Sun
15 March to 15 july 2025
THE SPIRIT OF TEHUANA
Photographic Exhibition featuring local photographers Vanessa Ch’ng, Ben Wrigley, William Conroy, David Darrah, Leon Shoots and Ivan Sun (Curator).
Hosted by Valentine’s Antique Gallery, this exhibition showcases different works capturing the Spirit of Tehuana… a symbolic figure, representing the rich cultural heritage of Mexico, who has visited iconic locations in Bendigo to deliver her blessings and enjoy local delights ahead of the Frida Kahlo exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery.
Each photograph offers a different style and perspective, inviting visitors to enjoy the interplay of past and present through the photographers’ lenses.
Explore images and locations with our interactive map.
Location: Valentine’s Antique Gallery,
16/22 View Street, Bendigo
Open Times: Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm
Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4pm
15 March to 15 july 2025
LATIDOS DE MÉXICO
Mexican Art Today
This exhibition showcases the recent works of artists Deniol Alva, Ulises Resendiz, and Lizette Vieyra.
Featuring paintings, wall-hangings, photographs and sculptures, this exhibition curated by Ivan Sun invites you to experience the perspectives and creative expressions of contemporary Mexican artists.
This showcase also provides another opportunity to reflect on the enduring cultural legacy of Frida Kahlo, whose influence continues to resonate throughout the artistic world.
Omari Bendigo, a cafe-restaurant and function centre nestled within the Botanical Gardens, provides a unique setting for this vibrant exhibition.
Location: 27 Hamelin St, White Hills VIC 3550
Open Times: Tuesdays to Sundays, 8am to 3pm
15 March to 15 july 2025
EAT.DRINK.ART!
Amanda Peluso, Ivan Sun & Lizette Vieyra Collab
The beautiful pen drawings of Amanda Peluso, Ivan Sun’s frenetic and festive acrylic studies become the backdrop of Lizette Vieyra’s beautiful Catrina dolls in a special collaboration featured as part of the City of Greater Bendigo’s Eat Drink Art program.
Omari Bendigo, a cafe-restaurant and function centre nestled within the Botanical Gardens, provides a unique setting for this vibrant exhibition.
Location: 27 Hamelin St, White Hills VIC 3550
Open Times: Tuesdays to Sundays, 8am to 3pm
Exhibition Launch: Saturday 22 March 4-5PM
15 March to 15 july 2025
THE GUNNER FROM YANDOIT
Reflections of Sue Jimenez
Sue’s Mexican heritage made her a wonderful model for a recent photoshoot promoting art events in the City of Greater Bendigo. Then, while posing in front of the Military Museum, she surprised the photographer with stories about her grandfather (affectionately nicknamed Gampa) Eric Howells who was a gunner in the Field Artillery Brigade…
Visit this exhibition to see the special poster display and photographs (never previously exhibited) celebrating the legacy of Sue Jiminez’s two grandfathers who were both war veterans: one who served during World War One, and the other during the Mexican Revolution.
This project is a collaboration between Sue Jimenez, Ivan Sun and the Bendigo Military Museum.
Location: Bendigo Military Museum, Pall Mall, Bendigo
Open Times: Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 3pm
Normal museum entry fees apply.
12 june to 24 june 2025
UNITED ARTISTS OF MEXICO & BENDIGO
Artistas Unidos de México y Bendigo
This exhibition (a.k.a. Artistas Unidos de México y Bendigo in Spanish) showcases works by contemporary Mexican artists paired with new works from local artists.
This exhibition explores how the works of Mexican artists reflect the theme of identity, nationality and the legacy left behind by Frida Kahlo. A variety of Bendigo artists were then invited to creatively respond to the visual and thematic elements, making for a unique cultural exchange and experience.
Works include: paintings, photography, prints, paper mache sculptures, and textile works.
Mexican artists: Deniol Alva, Jose Ortiz, Ulises Resendiz and Lizette Vieyra.
Bendigo Artists include:
Salena Cummins
Chris Duffy
Sharon Greenaway
Amanda Peluso
Avery Montgomery Reid
Molly Rule
Aime Sacrez
Jed Shue
Ivan Sun
Claire Tennant
Kristine von Hildebrandt
David Waters
Location: Dudley House, 60 View Street, Bendigo
Launch and Fashion Show:
Dancing, music, food & drinks organised in conjuction with Tlaotani Australia
Saturday 14 June 2025, 1 to 3PM
13 JULY 2025
LOS FRIDOS
Los Fridos is a performance with Words and Music to commemorate the death day (and celebrate the life) of Frida Kahlo.
The imaginary narrative framing this event goes: “On the eve of her first solo exhibition in Mexico, four former students (affectionally known as ‘Los Fridos’) visit her at Casa Azul. Together, they reflect on her life and art…”
This special world premier event will take place at the historic Beehive Building, formerly site of the first Stock Exchange in Australia, and now reactivated by owner Dugal James to be a creative precinct in Bendigo.
Booking information on this audio-visual experience which will include live music and performances will be provided closer to date.
Image pictured: The Empty Bed by Jose Ortiz
Location: Beehive Building, Pall Mall, Bendigo
Event date: 13 July 2025 – other details to be confirmed
ABOUT THE CURATOR
Ivan Sun is a Victorian multimedia artist who has exhibited works at galleries from St Kilda to San Diego.
In 2024 he expanded his range as an artist by curating the Robots are Coming exhibition about the impact of artificial intelligence on the creative communities, and delivered it as a digital time capsule of artworks and artist statements to the City of Greater Bendigo.
Recently he has also completed a digital multimedia project House of Loong, a new permanent installation at the Golden Dragon Museum.
A live-long interest in Frida Kahlo and Mexican culture has inspired him to bring collaborations together to put on the events shared here.
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