
Matt Aberline: The Guardians & the Power of Participatory Art. National Library of Australia.
Join acclaimed artist Matt Aberline for an engaging talk on ‘The Guardians’, his latest large-scale installation at the National Library of Australia.
Known for his bold, immersive artworks that fuse contemporary design with deep cultural narratives, Matt’s work invites audiences to interact, reflect, and participate in shaping shared experiences.
Entry is free to this event, but bookings are essential.
In this talk, Matt will share the creative journey behind The Guardians, exploring how community engagement, storytelling, and dynamic visual forms come together to create art that is both monumental and intimate. He will also discuss his broader artistic practice—spanning inflatables, textiles, public installations, and performance—alongside his ongoing exploration of democratic access to art and culture, and how to break the barriers to participation and inclusion.
Whether you’re an artist, designer, or simply curious about how large-scale participatory art can transform public spaces, this conversation will offer rare insights into the creative process behind one of the Library’s exciting new commissions.
See The Guardians
The Guardians can be viewed on the podium of the National Library of Australia during the Enlighten Festival every evening from 6pm, 28 February through to 10 March (excluding 3 March, due to a scheduled power outage).
Learn more about Enlighten 2025 at the Library.
About Matt Aberline
Matt started his career in Canberra and has collaborated on projects with the United Nations General Assembly, World Pride New York, the Powerhouse Museum, and the Art Gallery of NSW, creating transformative public installations that explore themes of community, identity, and inclusivity.
The Details
What: Matt Aberline: The Guardians & the Power of Participatory Art
When: Tuesday, 11 March 2025 from 12:30pm to 1:10pm
Where: National Library of Australia, Parkes Place
Cost: Entry is free, but bookings are essential.