The Heide Museum of Modern Art in Bulleen is currently home to a rare and captivating exhibition: Man Ray and Max Dupain from 6 August - 9 November. This pairing feels like a full-bodied blend of surrealist innovation with the sharp eye of Australian modernism. Walking through the galleries, visitors are transported into two very different yet oddly harmonious worlds of photography.
Man Ray, the surrealist pioneer, brings dreamlike imagery and experimental techniques that challenged the conventions of photography. His works on display highlight his use of light, shadow and the unexpected. Standing in front of his photographs, I felt that sense of wonder you get when listening to Radiohead—unexpected, layered, and completely unforgettable. I liken it to the boisterousness of the fantastical "Paranoid Android". "Loud" in the sense of experimentation and moving the art of photography forward.
In contrast, Max Dupain’s Australian modernism is rooted in clarity, form, and a distinctly local lens. His most famous work, Sunbaker, is present, radiating timelessness and strength. Yet it’s the lesser-known pieces—architectural studies and everyday Australian life—that truly shine, offering fresh perspectives on our cultural identity.
The exhibition doesn’t just showcase individual genius; it sparks conversations about photography’s role as both art and documentary. One moment you’re lost in Man Ray’s surreal abstraction, the next you’re grounded by Dupain’s clean lines and sharp realism. It’s a dynamic dialogue that makes the whole experience golden.
One of the unexpected highlights for me was the personal resonance. As someone who has always supported the underdog in art and music, Dupain’s photographs of everyday Australians—workers, families, suburban streets—felt like a celebration of stories too often overlooked. Much like how I still play Suede over more obvious Britpop choices such as Oasis or Blur, Dupain’s quiet works feel like a nod to the understated yet powerful.
The opportunity to view the select works of Man Ray and Max Dupain is not to be missed. While a significant journey from the West I still think this is worth your while and you can really make a family outing of it. The sculpture park at Heidi plus the nearby Banksia Park make it perfect for a picnic or prepared lunch if you want to make your trip more economic.
Visually, the Heide Museum setting only enhances the works. The natural light, modernist architecture, and surrounding gardens create a serene backdrop for deep reflection. After taking in the exhibition, you can wander the sculpture park or enjoy a coffee at the café—it’s a whole-day outing that balances art with leisure beautifully.
If you’re planning a cultural outing in Melbourne, the Man Ray and Max Dupain exhibition at Heide is unmissable. It’s a rare chance to see the surreal and the modern in dialogue, and it leaves you with the sense that photography isn’t just about capturing images—it’s about capturing the imagination.
Trivia: Man Ray’s real name was Emmanuel Radnitzky, and he was born in Philadelphia before becoming one of the leading figures of the Parisian avant-garde.
Getting there and bases
Heide Museum of Modern Art is located at 7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen VIC 3105.
- Drive times (approx.): Melbourne→Bulleen 25 mins; Melbourne Airport→Bulleen 30 mins.
- Good bases: Melbourne CBD or Bulleen for easy access to the museum and Yarra River trails.
- Visitor Centres: Melbourne Visitor Hub at Town Hall, 90-120 Swanston St, Melbourne.
Nearby Destinations
While you are here why not visit these other great locations:
- Banksia Park: Walk directly through to Banksia Park from Heidi. Time your visit for cherry blossom season and take some great pix. 3 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen VIC 3105.
- Bulleen Art and Garden: Eclectic garden centre with local art and sculptures. 6 Manningham Rd W, Bulleen VIC 3105.
- Fairfield Boathouse: Riverside café and boat hire along the Yarra River. Fairfield Park Dr, Fairfield VIC 3078.
- Heide Sculpture Park: Outdoor sculptures set in landscaped gardens at Heide Museum. 7 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen VIC 3105.
- Rosanna Golf Club: Picturesque golf course and clubhouse. 54 Cleveland Ave, Lower Plenty VIC 3093.
- Templestowe Village: Local dining and shopping strip. James St, Templestowe VIC 3106.
- Westerfolds Park: Expansive parklands with trails, picnic spots, and river views. Fitzsimons Ln, Templestowe VIC 3106.
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