The tropical north is abundantly picturesque: the stunning colours, the laid-back, ‘outdoorsy’ lifestyle and the flora and fauna all lend themselves to 'postcard-like' snapshots.


But what lies beneath?
What’s lurking in the shadows?
What's really going on socially in the tropical north?
 

Dark Social Realism gives you a chance to capture something on ‘film’ that speaks to the structure of our urban and rural society; one aspect, perhaps, of what life is really like; or how the prevailing culture and norms affect everyday lives, in this picturesque place.

 

For the first time in at least two years, DVA is opening the entire gallery to photographic visual artworks -- including moving images -- and we are excited to see the Top End community through your lens, in stark black and white, or noir.



Opening: Night - Friday 11 March 2022 6pm - 8pm

Showing: 11 - 26 Mar 2022

Where: DVA - Ground Floor 1/8 McMinn St, Darwin NT


Gallery opening hours for exhibitions:

Wednesday & Friday 10am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 2pm


View Online Now

ArtBroken

July 18, 2025
ArtBroken

Tiana Russell | Revitalisation

June 24, 2025
This exhibition reflects the ‘Revitalisation’ of ‘Femininity’ and ‘Cultural Resilience’.

Kerry Sandhu | Immortal Sounds: Music Icons, Rebels & Visionaries

June 24, 2025
These pieces capture the spirit and rebellion of the world’s most unforgettable musicians.

Brendan Herbert | An unpredictable storm

June 24, 2025
Inspired by the unpredictable nature and vivid colours of Darwin’s wet season

Wild North Arts | Wild Thingz!

June 24, 2025
Discover the bold, imaginative world of Darwin’s own trailblazing publisher Wild North Comics.

Heather Whybrow | Day and Night

April 22, 2025
Explore the nature of local lifestyles with intent to capture funky fashions and everyday living in Darwin. The artworks displayed will depict the fun, enigmatic and colourful existence of tropical Darwin during the day, and the busy, energetic nightlife around its local haunts.

Pascale Zufferey | Colours of Home

April 22, 2025
Step into the vibrant world of the Australian Top End with Colours of Home, an exhibition of predominantly pastel paintings that capture the striking beauty of the local landscape.

Nena Zanos and Group | Ways of Seeing:

April 22, 2025
‘Ways of Seeing: Miya/Significant Plants – Beginnings’ showcases works from five culturally diverse, female artists – Glynis Lee, Angelina Lewis, Juwayning Lorraine Williams, Linda Yarrowin, Nena Zanos - created during a printmaking project at Wagait Beach. Artworks reflect each artist’s personal connection to chosen plants. Accompanying stories and video communicate cultural knowledge.

Ilonka Guse | Cosmic Infinity

April 22, 2025
The viewer is exposed to obscurities of the universe including artwork, ‘Solar Flare’ depicting a solar explosion also, ‘Meteor Shower’ and ‘Supernova’. Energy and passion are radiating from the paintings, highlighting intensity. In contrast, ‘The Wormhole’ and ‘Galaxy’s Breath’ depict the timelessness and constancy of galaxies and the beyond.

Damien Jowett | Forgotten

April 15, 2025
Have you ever spent so long not talking to other people that when you finally did, your voice cracked? Have you ever been somewhere so remote that if you died, no-one would know and you might not be found for weeks - if ever?
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