Symposium > Bernhard Sachs: After History

Coinciding with the major survey exhibition, Bernhard Sachs: After History, this symposium will offer a deep dive into Sachs’ expansive practice, bringing together scholars, peers, and collaborators to reflect on his artistic, intellectual, and educational contributions. Through three focused sessions, the symposium will explore his drawing-based practice, his engagement with historical and theoretical frameworks, and his lasting influence as an educator within and beyond institutional settings. Designed for artists, researchers, and anyone interested in contemporary conceptual practice, the event will provide new insights into Sachs’ complex body of work.

This half-day symposium is a free event and is supported by Art + Australia and the Dr Harold Schenberg Bequest, Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne.

Speakers and session topics:

1. Material + Process:
From 11:30AM. This panel will address aspects of Sachs’ approach to materials and process.

Speakers: Godwin Bradbeer, artist; Sean Loughrey, PhD. Lecturer,  Art and Design, Deakin University; Professor Anne Marsh, Professorial Fellow, Victorian College of the Arts

Facilitator: Hamish Sawyer, Curator, Linden New Art

2. Philosophy + Theory:
From 1PM. This panel will focus on the philosophical and theoretical frameworks that informed Sachs’ practice.

Speakers: Dr. Edward Colless, writer; Dr. Stephen Haley, Artist; Associate Professor Sean Lowry, Head of Critical & Theoretical Studies, Victorian College of the Arts

Facilitator: Dr. Vince Alessi, Director + CEO, Linden New Art

3. Legacy:
From 3PM. This conversation will consider Sachs’ lasting influence as an educator and mentor to several generations of artists.

Speakers: Professor Su Baker AM, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Culture, University of Melbourne; Julie Davies, artist; Associate Professor Nicholas Mangan, Department of Fine Art, Monash University; Dr Masato Takasaka, Associate Lecturer, Victorian College of the Arts

Facilitator: Dr Raafat Ishak, Head of Painting, Victorian College of the Arts