The University of Melbourne today announced nightshifts, a contemplative new group exhibition considering the importance of solitude through contemporary arts practice. Presented at Buxton Contemporary from 26 May to 29 October 2023, the large-scale exhibition features more than 30 works drawn from the University of Melbourne’s art collection, alongside select loans and new commissions.

Curated by Hannah Presley and Annika Aitken, nightshifts looks to the ‘after hours’ as a metaphor to explore the potentially generative qualities of rest, privacy and temporary seclusion from peers and the public. Spanning a range of themes, histories and media, the exhibition offers a meditative counterpoint to the recurring emphasis on light and collaboration in art making and contemporary curatorial practice.