The Authentic Consequence: Forty years of John Baird

Next date: Monday, 15 September 2025 | 05:00 AM to Sunday, 16 November 2025 | 04:00 PM

John Baird, 'Sydney in the Rain', 2022, acrylic and shellac on board,Private Collection, Courtesy of the artist and Arthouse Gallery, Sydney

The Authentic Consequence presents the first major survey of accomplished Mornington Peninsula artist John Baird.

Featuring over 60 paintings and objects, the exhibition traces Baird’s beginnings as an artist with Roar Studios, through to key examples of his recent paintings, drawings, collages, and sculptures. Baird’s approach to his work will be on display as mini-tableaux comprising paintings, hand-built furniture and associated table-top sculptures, a wall of inspirations (sketches, photographs, and musings) and a group of new paintings specially produced for the exhibition.

Guest curated by Rodney James, The Authentic Consequence explores the artist’s exploration of the frisson between the real and the imagined, and the innate difference between what is seen and what can be felt. Landscape and seascapes are richly loaded evocations of past histories and combine fresh observations with memories, shared experiences, and storytelling. Surfaces pulsate, shift and transition over time as they do in the arrangement of his still lives.

Nuno’s Southern Hospitality will be serving up great coffee and comfort food with a hometown Texas flair Thursday-Sunday during the exhibition.

During your visit, browse through the MPRG Shop featuring a range of locally made jewellery, ceramics, glass, limited edition prints and more!

There are school holiday programs, artist and curator talks, and workshops alongside the exhibitions. Visit the website to find out more.

Free Entry

Open 11am-4pm, Tues-Sun
Closed Mondays