Julie Mehretu: A Transcore of the Radical Imaginatory has arrived at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) as part of the Sydney International Art Series 2024–25. Running from November 29th, 2024, to March 17th, 2025, this marks Mehretu’s first exhibition in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, offering an unprecedented exploration of her groundbreaking work. The exhibition opens with an exclusive preview for MCA members on November 28th, featuring extended hours to celebrate its debut.
Known for her mastery of abstraction, Julie Mehretu uses her art to grapple with the complexities of contemporary life. Her richly layered paintings draw on diverse traditions, from Chinese ink painting to Japanese manga and ancient rock art, creating dynamic compositions that blur the lines between abstraction and figuration. Mehretu’s work resonates with the power of art to capture the fluid intersections of history, culture, and identity.
Two standout works in the exhibition include Stadia I, a large-scale painting that layers architectural schematics and fragments of political iconography, evoking the energy and chaos of public arenas. Another highlight, Black City, reveals a darker vision of urban landscapes, using dense layers of marks to symbolize the tensions between utopian ideals and dystopian realities. Together, these works exemplify Mehretu’s ability to transform abstraction into a space for critical reflection and emotional impact.
The exhibition is curated by MCA Director Suzanne Cotter and Senior Curator Jane Devery, who have worked closely with the artist to present a comprehensive view of her practice. Accompanying the show is a major publication edited by Cotter, featuring essays by Mehretu, Daniel Boyd, and Erik Morse, among others, available at the MCA Store and online starting November 29th. For art lovers across the region, this exhibition offers a rare chance to experience Mehretu’s transformative vision firsthand.
Don’t miss our exclusive conversation with Julie in the hube FW24 issue.
Courtesy of JULIE MEHRETU, photography by SARAH RENTZ
Courtesy of JULIE MEHRETU, photography by SARAH RENTZ
Installation view, They departed for their own country another way (a 9x9x9 hauntology), White Cube, Bermondsey, 2023
Image courtesy of JULIE MEHRETU and WHITE CUBE, photography by THEO CHRISTELIS
Among the Multitude I (detail), 2020–2021
Image courtesy of JULIE MEHRETU, photography by TOM POWEL IMAGING
TRANSpaintings (night seam), 2024
Image courtesy of JULIE MEHRETU, photography by TOM POWEL IMAGING
Sumo, 2024
Image courtesy of JULIE MEHRETU, photography by TOM POWEL IMAGING
