while melburnians were enduring strict covid lockdowns in 2020, the ever-talented people at the national gallery of victoria were busy behind the scenes, bringing together the multi-disciplinary work of more than 100 artists and designers from around the world.

the ngv triennial (through april 18), a follow up to the inaugural 2017 event, confronts the visitor with the harsh realities of social isolation and our ever-increasing detachment from the natural world. despite the gravity of these topical demises, the collection also offers hope that society can overcome these challenges and come out stronger on the other side. to borrow some words from the late indie-rock legends bloc party: if it can be broke, then it can be fixed. if it can be lost, then it can be won. it’s all under control.

words and all photography: chris darmanin