Overview
Internationally acclaimed artist Bill Henson has created a new series of photographs as part of a permanent installation at Melbourne's Hellenic Museum. Titled ONEIROI, the series incorporates the priceless treasures from the award-winning Gods, Myths & Mortals exhibition, which are on long-term loan from Athens' Benaki Museum.
Housed inside a dedicated gallery within the majestic heritage-listed former Royal Mint building (which is home to the Greek museum), the new exhibition space has been designed by Henson to complement the photographs in the collection.
Henson's work often deals with the theme of transition and otherworldliness, and here he seeks to transcend a single culture to encompass the collective imagination of Melburnians. ONEIROI is inspired by Greek history and mythology, and explores the impact of history, beauty, culture and art.
"Just like the treasures selected by Bill Henson, the resultant photographs that form the collection ONEIROI are unique, without editions, reflecting the nature of the Benaki treasures they incorporate, thus respecting and honouring their originality and timelessness," said CEO of the Hellenic Museum, John Tatoulis.
ONEROI officially opens officially on Friday, April 8 and will be on permanent display at the Hellenic Museum.