Manly Gets a Glow-Up! New Art Exhibition Shines a Light on Colour
Forget staring at another screen. A new exhibition at Manly Art Gallery & Museum is inviting visitors to discover just how extraordinary colour can be when there's not a single pixel involved.
We're surrounded by glowing screens these days. From the moment we reach for our phones in the morning to that final scroll before bed, so much of the colour and light we experience comes courtesy of technology.
But what happens when you take the electronics away and let art do the illuminating?
That's the fascinating idea behind Chromatic Luminosity, a new exhibition opening at Manly Art Gallery & Museum (MAG&M) on Friday 4 December, bringing together nine Australian artists whose works explore the remarkable relationship between colour, light and the materials they use.
And while the title might sound a little scientific, the concept is wonderfully simple. These are artworks that appear to glow, shimmer and change before your eyes, without the help of a single electronic screen.
Featuring works by Angela Brennan, Tony Curran, Susie Dureau, Ollie Lucas, Nick Modrzewski, Michael Staniak, Justine Varga, Kate Vassallo and John Young, the exhibition explores how artists can create an extraordinary sense of radiance through painting, photography and other artistic approaches.
Angela Brennan Why wait any longer for the world to begin
Some works reveal their magic as you move closer. Others seem to shift depending on where you're standing or how the light falls across their surfaces. It's the kind of exhibition that encourages you to linger, look again and perhaps notice something you missed the first time.
The idea of luminosity in painting is hardly new. For centuries, artists have been fascinated by the challenge of making light appear to emerge from within a painting itself. Achieving that effect has long been regarded as a remarkable demonstration of artistic skill.
What makes Chromatic Luminosity particularly interesting is the way contemporary
Australian artists are approaching that same challenge using different materials, techniques and perspectives.
Rather than relying on technology to create a spectacle, the exhibition celebrates the subtle and sometimes surprising ways colour behaves in the physical world.
Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins says the exhibition promises an experience that simply can't be replicated by looking at photographs of the artworks.
"Chromatic Luminosity is a chance to experience colour, light and texture in a completely different way, through works that reward close looking and are best seen in person," Mayor Heins said.
"We are proud to bring together such a strong group of Australian artists to show their work at MAG&M and give our community the opportunity to connect with contemporary art in a welcoming local setting."
And there's more to explore beyond the main exhibition.
MAG&M's Cove Gallery will also host Chromatic Collection, featuring works from the Gallery's own collection by artists including Jenny Sages, Charlie Sheard and Helicopter Tjungurrayi.
Together, the two exhibitions offer visitors an opportunity to explore the many ways artists have experimented with colour, from its emotional impact to the way it can transform our perception of light, space and texture.
For anyone who has ever stood in front of a painting and wondered how an artist managed to make it look almost alive, this could be a particularly interesting exhibition.
And you certainly don't need an art degree to appreciate it.
In fact, one of the loveliest things about an exhibition like this is that everyone will experience it differently. What catches your eye might be entirely different from what someone standing beside you notices. A particular shade, an unexpected reflection or a subtle change in texture might be enough to make you stop and look twice.
The Gallery is also putting together a program of events to accompany the exhibition, giving visitors the chance to get a little more involved.
Ember Noir, 2026
The opening celebration takes place on Friday 4 December from 6pm to 8pm, followed by an artists' conversation on Saturday 5 December, where visitors can hear more about the ideas and processes behind the works.
For those curious about the science and theory of colour, Dr David Briggs will present Seriously Amateur #1: Dr David Briggs on Colour on Thursday 10 December.
Families haven't been forgotten either, with a children's drop-in art-making activity connected to Kate Vassallo's installation running throughout the exhibition.
And if you fancy combining a little culture with a Friday evening out, MAG&M will host a Happy Hour on 29 January, featuring live music and an experimental light performance.
It's another reminder of just how fortunate we are to have a public art gallery of this calibre right here on the Northern Beaches.
Situated on West Esplanade overlooking Manly Cove, MAG&M has long been a place where locals can experience Australian art without having to venture into the city. And with free entry, it's an easy addition to a day out in Manly, whether you're meeting friends for lunch, enjoying a walk along the harbour or simply looking for something a little different to do.
And perhaps leave yourself a little extra time to explore. After all, this is one exhibition where the closer you look, the more you might discover.
Chromatic Luminosity runs from 4 December 2026 until 21 February 2027 at Manly Art Gallery & Museum, West Esplanade Reserve, Manly.
The Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, and is closed on Mondays and public holidays. Entry is free.
For exhibition details and the full program of events, visit Northern Beaches Council.
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