The Neighbour at the Gate | Artist Talks Archive

On Friday 11 July, we held an industry day as part of our opening weekend celebrations, which included artist talks and art making opportunities. Below are recordings of the artists talks, where you can hear directly from the guest curatorium and the featured artists in The Neighbour at the Gate. 

Jacky Cheng in conversation with Zali Morgan

Hear artist Jacky Cheng in conversation with exhibition co-curator Zali Morgan.

In the talk, Jacky discusses her commissioned installation Imaginary Homelands (2025) inspired by her Malyasian-Chinese ancestry and the paifang gate (牌坊), a form of traditional Chinese architecture which symbolically allows a person to pass from the mundane to the sacred in a liminal space. Cheng draws on the symbolism of the gate, as both a transitory space suggestive of travel or migration, and a structure that regulates movement to either welcome or exclude, offering passage and protection.

Elham Eshraghian-Haakansson in conversation with Dr. Kamran Eshraghian

Hear Iranian-Australian artist Elham Eshraghian-Haakansson in conversation with her father Dr. Kamran Eshraghian, facilitated by exhibition co-curator Zali Morgan.

They discuss Elham’s commissioned video installation God of War (2025) which reflects on the search for home amidst displacement, and experiences of love in its many forms.

Jenna Mayilema Lee in conversation with Christopher Bandirra Lee 

Hear Gulumerridjin (Larrakia) Wardaman and KarraJarri woman artist Jenna Mayilema Lee in conversation with her father Christopher Bandirra Lee, facilitated by lead exhibition curator Clothilde Bullen OAM.

They discuss Jenna’s commissioned installation Portal to the Bangarr (billabong) (2025) which reflects on transitional spaces that transcend physical boundaries, using water—and specifically the bangarr or billabong—as a metaphor for deep cultural connection and shared histories around food and ritual.

James Nguyen in conversation with Nguyễn Công Chính and Nhung Kim Thị Nguyễn

Hear artist James Nguyen in conversation with his uncle Nguyễn Công Chính and aunty Nhung Kim Thị Nguyễn, facilitated by lead exhibition curator Clothilde Bullen OAM.

In the talk, they discuss James’ commissioned installation Homeopathies_where new trees grow (2025), a work about ritual and resilience, tied to James’ Vietnamese family heritage and the environmental impacts of Agent Orange in Vietnam and Australia.

Dennis Golding in conversation with Michael Do

Hear Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay artist Dennis Golding in conversation with exhibition co-curator Michael Do.

Together they discuss Dennis’ commissioned artwork Bingo (2025), a large constellation of etchings reflecting ideas about forged spaces of belonging and resistance. Drawing from personal memories of growing up on Gadigal Country in Redfern, Sydney, Golding’s work highlights collective Aboriginal narratives and the ongoing impacts of colonisation in Australia.

Artists and Curators Panel Talk

Hear directly from The Neighbour at the Gate artists and curators in a panel talk chaired by acclaimed journalist Nakari Thorpe, unpacking the themes of the exhibition.

With Jacky Cheng, Elham Eshraghian-Haakansson, Dennis Golding (Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay), Jenna Mayilema Lee (Gulumerridjin (Larrakia), Wardaman, KarraJarri) and James Nguyen in conversation with Clothilde Bullen OAM (Wardandi Noongar and Badimaya Yamatji), Micheal Do and Zali Morgan (Whadjuk Balladong and Wilman Noongar).

Nakari Thorpe is a Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Gooreng Gooreng woman from Victoria and Queensland. She is a presenter and Indigenous Communities reporter with ABC News in Sydney, providing coverage across television, radio and digital. She previously worked as a multi-platform reporter with SBS and NITV covering federal politics in the Canberra Press Gallery at Parliament House and national Indigenous affairs.