This summary was researched and written by Isabell Bilous as part of RMIT internship in early 2025.

Next Wave Festival 1994 was directed by Zane Trow and challenged the parameters between art and artist in the 20th Century and the arts infrastructure.

The visual arts program included works from artists such as Mark Dundon, Jane Cowan, Lachlan Balmain and Michael Douglas. Conscientious Objections by Mark Dundon and his team challenged the parameters by bringing up that art has a life of its own, due to the influence of life that gives it an expressive presence. Jane Cowan and Simon Benz’ work, called Five Women, is driven by feminism, calling out objectification of women, and emphasising that women have an identity and a voice. Lachlan Balmain’s team created the work called Metal, exploring the theme of alienation, rejection and chaos.

About Isabell
I am Isabell Bilous. I am currently studying for a bachelor of printmaking, however, I have always been a mixed media artist at heart, incorporating my cultural traditions, such as sewing motifs, poetry, and traditional dance, with today’s relevant issues. Even though some of my works are based on literature, movies, music, and nature and aren’t commenting on current society, they still have a metaphoric undertone with an abstract aspect to them. Alongside my artistic passions, I have a strong interest in conservation due to my experience with history, and my end goal is to work as an archival conservator in a major gallery.