Summary

Peter Burke is a Melbourne-based curator, writer, artist and lecturer who curated the artwork 'Attache Case' now in the Museum's collection.

Peter Burke is an artist and teacher who lives and works in Naarm, Melbourne. His artwork uses socially engaged strategies combined with current concerns and conventions of art, especially those involving social interaction in public spaces. By these means he examines topical issues and questions the general condition of contemporary society. Peter's projects intersect with painting, drawing, performance and video.

His work often brings together multiple voices or perspectives from various participants using curatorial approaches with a light, humourous touch. These projects have included selling miniature artworks hidden inside a suit jacket at art fairs, catching passersby's breaths in test tubes, and collecting abandoned gloves and handwritten notes in the street.

'Attache Case' (2015) is an artwork curated by Peter which contains 41 miniature artworks (paintings, photographs, collages) created by people who have crossed international borders to find safety in Australia. The project reflects diverse perspectives of the refugee experience and gives voice to those who are seldom heard or seen. It was created as part of an international touring art installation 'Low Cost Diplomatic Bag' auspiced by the Spanish Embassy. 'Attache Case' was acquired by Museums Victoria in 2019 (HT 56009).

Peter Burke exhibits widely in Australia and internationally. Recent projects and exhibitions include Treat (Public Art Commission, Western Treatment Plant) 2023, Take Note (Five Walls Gallery) 2021, What Goes Around Comes Around (Biennale of Australian Art) 2018. Catch Your Breath (Public Art Projects, Vrystaat Kunstefees) 2017.

Peter has completed art residencies at Sanskriti Kendra, New Delhi (2019, 2015), Cité Internationale Des Arts, Paris (2009) and Global Arts Village, New Delhi, (2006). Peter reflects on the 'Attache Case' artwork: 'For this project, I invited asylum seekers and refugees in Melbourne to address their refugee experience through art. Each artist was provided with a blank canvas and they responded in their own, individual way. It is wonderful, and significant, that their artworks have found a permanent home within Museums Victoria.' (2023)

More Information