Ironbark Gallery

Awareness of Between-ness: Memory & Time: Miho Watanabe

Sydney-based intercultural artist Miho Watanabe explores Awareness of Between-ness through the Japanese aesthetic of ma — the meaningful space between things, where absence and presence coexist. Working across photography, painting, and installation, she investigates the invisible space between subject, camera, and artist.

Originally developed as her PhD project at the Australian National University, the work examined the space between childhood memories in Japan and recollections of English street trees prior to COVID-19. Since completing her doctorate, Watanabe has expanded this inquiry to include Australian street trees, connecting them to memory, loss, and the passage of time.

Following the loss of her father, memories of place in Japan have taken on renewed significance. Through layered materials, translucency, and light, she reconstructs memory as atmosphere rather than fixed image, inviting viewers into the quiet, relational space of between-ness.

EXHIBITION
Strathfield Library & Innovation Hub
10 April – 14 June 2026 

OFICIAL OPENING:
Thursday 9 April 2026, 6pm

GUEST SPEAKER:
Denise Ferris
artist, educator and Professor Emerita at Australian National University

RSVP:
Thursday 2 April 2026
Bookings are required for the opening for catering purposes.
exhibitions@strathfield.nsw.gov.au

Media Release

Exhibition Overview(PDF, 79KB)

Artist Q&A(PDF, 665KB)

Watch now: Exhibition Tour of Awareness of Between-ness: Memory & Time: Miho Watanabe

Image: Miho Watanabe, Awareness of between-ness: memory in my mind 2022-2026 photo transfer and acrylic paint on silk, perspex, wood, LED, 84x118cm

Echoes of Silence: Amanda Hitchens & Clair Reynolds

Echoes of Silence is a collection of artworks that has grown from regular visits Amanda Hitchens and Clair Reynolds have taken, exploring and photographing Rookwood Cemetery. Beyond the gates, time softens. Memories surface, grief lingers quietly, and moments of reflection emerge.

It is amongst the gravestones that trees, flowers, and wild grasses flourish, gently reclaiming the landscape. In this shifting space between care and wildness, we move slowly through the grounds, a special haven outside the realm of everyday life.

What began as a year-long project continues to evolve. For three years, Amanda and Clair have witnessed the changing seasons, the quiet presence of angels and cherubs, scurrying creatures, countless pigeons, and the occasional goat. Not to mention the ants. So many ants!

Photographs taken during these visits developed into works utilising various materials such as tracing paper, acrylic and metal, reflecting themes of memory, loss, and the quiet resilience of nature.

EXHIBITION
Strathfield Library & Innovation Hub
19 June – 10 August 2026 

OFFICIAL OPENING:
Thursday 18 June 2026, 6pm

GUEST SPEAKER:
Len Metcalf
Artist, educator, adventurer and environmentalist. Founder and teacher of “Len’s School”

RSVP:
Thursday 11 June 2026
Bookings are required for the opening for catering purposes.
exhibitions@strathfield.nsw.gov.au

Media Release

Exhibition Overview(PDF, 85KB)

Artist Q&A - Amanda Hitchens(PDF, 1MB)

Artist Q&A - Clair Reynolds(PDF, 2MB)

Image: Amanda Hitchens, Unfading 2026, ink jet print on cotton rag photo paper, Mod Podge image transfer onto cotton fabric (left), Clair Reynolds, Enchanting eucalypts 2026, infrared photograph printed on brushed aluminium (right)

Please email exhibitions@strathfield.nsw.gov.au for more information.

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PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

 Applications are now open to exhibit in the Ironbark Gallery in 2026.

 APPLICATIONS CLOSE 1 DECEMBER 2025

All applicants are evaluated by a selection committee and based on the written application and supporting material provided.

Those considering applying are encouraged to refer to past exhibiting artist, Marina Mavritsky’s application as an example of a succinct and considered application(PDF, 2MB). 

All applicants should read the Community Art Space Program Scope and Conditions.pdf (PDF, 197KB)(PDF, 223KB)

View the Ironbark Gallery floor plan here(PDF, 606KB)

Questions or comments? Please email Ironbark Gallery Curator  renee.porter@strathfield.nsw.gov.au