Jessica Murtagh (designer and maker), Modern Relic IV: All in this together, apart, 2021<br/> Lillie Thompson 2021
Jessica Murtagh (designer and maker), Modern Relic IV: All in this together, apart, 2021
Lillie Thompson 2021

Ancient Artefacts, Modern Memories

NGV Creative Studio inspired by Jessica Murtagh | Levels F–6

Mon – Fri, 10am, 12:30pm
Levels F-6
NGV International

Explore visual storytelling in an educator-led program inspired by the modern relics of contemporary artist/designer Jessica Murtagh. This educator-led program begins in the Gallery with students viewing and discussing a range of art and design works telling stories of everyday life. Then, in the studio, students will use resist techniques with wax crayons and ink-wash to draw a visual story for their own modern relic.

Cost: $22 per student
Duration: 2 hours

Format: In-Gallery discussion and studio workshop

Students will:

  • Discuss how artists from different times and places tell stories inspired by everyday life.
  • Identify and discuss the artistic practices and ideas of Jessica Murtagh and consider how these connect with other works in the NGV Collection.
  • Adapt ideas, skills and techniques from contemporary art to inform their own artmaking.

About the Artist
Jessica Murtagh is an Adelaide-based early career artist working with blown glass. Murtagh’s arts practice leans heavily on illustration, using sand carving and engraving techniques to create imagery and narratives on glass. Her work is predominantly in the form of vessels and draws inspiration from both the natural world and classical artefacts contrasted with contemporary themes. Murtagh’s Modern Relic series, 2021, references ancient Athenian ceramic amphoras, often depicting scenes of everyday life. Adapting an ancient glass technique called cameo glass, Murtagh sand carves and engraves complex illustrations to the exterior of the vessels, depicting in 360 degrees scenes relating to the social and economic fallout of COVID-19 in Australia, online dating, and domestic and everyday contemporary life.

Murtagh’s work is held in the permanent collections of the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne; the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney; and the Parliament House Collection in Canberra. She is an exhibiting artist in NGV Triennial 2023.

Booking form

    We require four weeks notice for all bookings.

    Changes to your booking must be made in writing. Changes can be made up to 14 days prior to your visit. Invoices will be sent prior to the visit. Full program fees will be incurred for late cancellations or amendments.

    Please note that this is a booking request only. You will receive a confirmation via email within 5 working days.

    School details

    Group details

    If less than 10 students attend a program, minimum fees may apply

    Program Selection

    Study Focus

    Please provide details of any relevant themes and skills your students are learning about at school. While we cannot offer individually tailored programs, our museum educators will consider this information when selecting and discussing works of art during the program.

    Date Selection

    We recommend you provide three date options for your program to avoid disappointment. We will do our best to accommodate your first preference, however due to high demand this may not always be possible.

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    Terms and Conditions

    We do not take tentative bookings. Bookings are considered firm at time of booking. Any amendments, including changes to participant numbers, must be made by email at least 14 days prior to the program.
 Invoices will be sent prior to the visit. Full program fees will be incurred for late cancellations or amendments. Payment must be paid at least one week prior to the visit.


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