Crowd of people facing an artist speaking at a lectern.

Exhibition Opening - ‘Plural Selves David Rosetzky’ & 'Violet Ayling and Grace James Retrospective'

Sat 16 August 2025
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Town Hall Gallery

360 Burwood Road
Hawthorn VIC 3122

Free

Accessible

08/16/2025 2:00 pm 08/16/2025 4:00 pm Exhibition Opening - ‘Plural Selves David Rosetzky’ & 'Violet Ayling and Grace James Retrospective' Join us for the official opening of two new exhibitions at Town Hall Gallery; major exhibition ‘Plural Selves: David Rosetzky’ and community exhibition 'Violet Ayling and Grace James Retrospective' by Kew Historical Society.Free, bookings encouraged.Refreshments will be available for purchase.Please note: a tour of the major exhibition ‘Plural Selves: David Rosetzky’ will take place prior to the opening, commencing at 1 pm. About the exhibitionsPlural Selves: David RosetzkyExperience the work of Melbourne-based contemporary artist David Rosetzky in this major retrospective exhibition. Known for his exploration of the plural self and the diversity of human identity, Rosetzky’s works investigate how individuals see themselves in relation to others, often through intimate, collaborative portraits of LGBTQIA+ and marginal identities.The exhibition features some of Rosetzky’s most iconic works alongside a newly commissioned series that directly engages with the LGBTQIA+ community of Boroondara. Through video installation and photography, Rosetzky creates a compelling dialogue between different generations and experiences, staging personal narratives that consider the evolution of gender, identity and community over time.Rosetzky's collaborative process involves in-depth conversations with local participants who exist outside traditional gender and sexuality norms, drawn from diverse age groups. Through these works, Rosetzky explores the intersection of personal and collective history and vision, creating a space for reflection, connection and representation. His work offers insight into the lived realities and thinking of these individuals, touching on themes of coming out, interpersonal relationships, cultural belonging and imagined futures.Drawing on his own ties to the Boroondara region and his identity as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, this exhibition marks a significant new chapter for Rosetzky as he merges personal experience with broader social narratives. Celebrate the resilience, diversity and stories of the LGBTQIA+ community, and witness how art can foster empathy, visibility and dialogue.‘Violet Ayling and Grace James Retrospective’ by Kew Historical SocietyShining a light on the often-overlooked contributions of women to the visual arts during the mid-20th century, this exhibition highlights the works of two local, yet largely unknown practitioners—Viola Ayling, a ceramicist from Kew, and Grace James, a dressmaker from Surrey Hills.Viola Ayling’s ceramics, crafted in her workshop and fired in her brick kiln, range from functional to decorative pieces. Her work reflects a blend of technical skill and inventive design, offering a unique look at the intersection of utility and artistry in post-war ceramics. In contrast, Grace James’ creations encompass a wide array of garments, including daywear, evening wear, and special occasion outfits such as wedding dresses, all made from fabric and knit.Accessibility at this spaceAccessibility features include: accessible car parkingaccessible drop-off areaautomatic doorsaccessible toiletsrampsclear signageliftsquiet areaswide passageways. Image: Visitors at the official opening of ‘The Long Way: Kevin Chin’, Town Hall Gallery, 2024. , City of Boroondara [email protected] Australia/Melbourne public

Event details

Join us for the official opening of two new exhibitions at Town Hall Gallery; major exhibition ‘Plural Selves: David Rosetzky’ and community exhibition 'Violet Ayling and Grace James Retrospective' by Kew Historical Society.

Free, bookings encouraged.

Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Please note: a tour of the major exhibition ‘Plural Selves: David Rosetzky’ will take place prior to the opening, commencing at 1 pm.

About the exhibitions

Plural Selves: David Rosetzky

Experience the work of Melbourne-based contemporary artist David Rosetzky in this major retrospective exhibition. Known for his exploration of the plural self and the diversity of human identity, Rosetzky’s works investigate how individuals see themselves in relation to others, often through intimate, collaborative portraits of LGBTQIA+ and marginal identities.

The exhibition features some of Rosetzky’s most iconic works alongside a newly commissioned series that directly engages with the LGBTQIA+ community of Boroondara. Through video installation and photography, Rosetzky creates a compelling dialogue between different generations and experiences, staging personal narratives that consider the evolution of gender, identity and community over time.

Rosetzky's collaborative process involves in-depth conversations with local participants who exist outside traditional gender and sexuality norms, drawn from diverse age groups. Through these works, Rosetzky explores the intersection of personal and collective history and vision, creating a space for reflection, connection and representation. His work offers insight into the lived realities and thinking of these individuals, touching on themes of coming out, interpersonal relationships, cultural belonging and imagined futures.

Drawing on his own ties to the Boroondara region and his identity as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, this exhibition marks a significant new chapter for Rosetzky as he merges personal experience with broader social narratives. Celebrate the resilience, diversity and stories of the LGBTQIA+ community, and witness how art can foster empathy, visibility and dialogue.

‘Violet Ayling and Grace James Retrospective’ by Kew Historical Society

Shining a light on the often-overlooked contributions of women to the visual arts during the mid-20th century, this exhibition highlights the works of two local, yet largely unknown practitioners—Viola Ayling, a ceramicist from Kew, and Grace James, a dressmaker from Surrey Hills.

Viola Ayling’s ceramics, crafted in her workshop and fired in her brick kiln, range from functional to decorative pieces. Her work reflects a blend of technical skill and inventive design, offering a unique look at the intersection of utility and artistry in post-war ceramics. In contrast, Grace James’ creations encompass a wide array of garments, including daywear, evening wear, and special occasion outfits such as wedding dresses, all made from fabric and knit.