Crooked

Crooked is a group exhibition by the Marsden Art Group, a collective of Canberra-based artists who have been exhibiting together for over two decades. Working across a wide range of medi a- including painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, textiles and mixed media - the group brings together diverse practices under a unifying theme that invites both experimentation and play.

Inspired in part by the whimsical, off-kilter works of Bernard Ollis, Crooked encourages artists to move beyond conventional ways of seeing. Through varied interpretations, the exhibition explores distortion, imbalance and shifting perspectives - whether through subject matter, composition, or even the physical presentation of the work itself. Frames may tilt, compositions may skew, and familiar scenes may take on unexpected forms, prompting viewers to reconsider their own perceptions of reality.

At once reflective and light-hearted, Crooked celebrates the creative possibilities that emerge when rules are bent and perspectives are reimagined. The exhibition invites audiences to engage with art that is not only visually compelling, but also playful, curious and open to multiple ways of seeing.

About the Artists

The Marsden Art Group is a long-standing collective of Canberra artists who have exhibited annually for over 20 years across a range of local venues, including M16 Artspace, Watson Arts Centre, Smith’s Alternative and Rusten House. The group brings together both established and emerging artists, fostering a supportive environment for sharing skills, ideas and creative experiences.

Working across an expansive range of disciplines—such as painting, printmaking, sculpture, digital art, collage and textiles—the group’s members each bring distinct approaches and perspectives to their practice. This diversity results in exhibitions that are rich in style and technique, appealing to a broad audience while remaining grounded in a shared commitment to experimentation and artistic dialogue.

Exhibiting artists include Liz Dovey, Ian Baird, Julie Delves, Michael Felgenhauer, Val Gee, Margaret Gordon, Susan Hey, Marilyn Hutchinson, Margaret Kalms, Barbara van der Linden and Kat Watson.