Spence Messih: A river runs through
- Curator: Stella Rosa McDonald
- 5 May – 21 August 2026
- UTS Gallery | On tour nationally from 2026
A river runs through brings together newly commissioned works by Spence Messih, an artist renowned for exploring identity through abstraction.
Messih’s first national touring and institutional solo exhibition considers how bodies, environments, and systems intersect. Through an ambitious body of new works comprising kiln-formed glass and timber marquetry sculptures, film, photogravure prints, and commissioned texts by Australian and international writers, Messih examines how personal and collective experiences are shaped by broader political and environmental histories.
A river runs through considers the systems that govern bodies and environments, revealing the intricate connections between gender, capitalism, and water management. It asks who benefits from these systems, and at what cost.
A river runs through is in development to tour to regional galleries from 2026 in partnership with Museums & Galleries of NSW.
A river runs through is supported by Canberra Glassworks Artist Residency Program.
About the Artist
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Partner Acknowledgements
A river runs through is presented in partnership with Museums & Galleries of NSW and supported by Canberra Glassworks Artist Residency Program.