Aaron Bailey (B. 1977)
Bio
Bailey comes from a family with a rich history in the Mallee region of Victoria, where multiple generations have resided in Mildura, Werrimull, and Cullulleraine. His connection to this region started early as his parents purchased a fruit block in Mildura South just before his birth in the mid-70s. Growing up in this environment, Bailey developed a deep attachment to the Mallee, and he now divides his time between Melbourne and his hometown.
After completing his secondary studies, Bailey chose to remain in Sunraysia, attending the Sunraysia Institute of TAFE, where he obtained a Diploma in Visual Arts. It was during this period that he discovered his passion for the art world. His pursuit of artistic education continued at La Trobe University, where he earned a Fine Arts degree with a Major in Painting.
Keen to expand his artistic horizons, Bailey later completed a Diploma in Photography and delved into Museum Studies (Curatorial) at Deakin University in Melbourne. These experiences led to positions in several public galleries throughout Melbourne. Eventually, he returned to university to acquire a Bachelor of Education with a major in Art from Monash University.
Though initially known as a painter, Bailey now considers himself an artist who transcends traditional boundaries. His artistic journey has evolved to embrace various media and techniques, often using the medium and technique to convey his concepts rather than relying solely on images. This evolution has transformed his practice into a more sculptural and diverse form of art, incorporating elements such as the readymade, photographic processes, textiles, and mark-making.
Bailey's current body of work is a reflection of his exploration of environmental art and mark-making. Through installation and mixed media techniques, he challenges the conventional idea of 'parley,' resulting in sculptural and documented presentations that captivate the viewer with their innovative and thought-provoking approach.
CV
2025
Chapter 5 - Mildura Arts Centre - Solo Show
Untitled - Artrium, GalleryF Creative Arts Inc. - Workspace 3496 + Gallery
2024
Present - Fabrik Arts & Heritage, Lobethal SA - Group Show
2023
Chapter 4 – Workspace Gallery 3496 – Mildura Vic -Solo Show
Chapter 4 –Turbo Gallery – Rainbow Vic - Solo Show
Chapter 4.1 – The Pod Gallery – Adelaide SA - Solo Show
2022
Sun-Raysed – Workspace Gallery 3496 – Mildura Vic -Group Show
National Teachers Art Prize Finalist Show 2022 - The Lennox-Group Show
Traces VI – Belco Arts – Belconnen ACT - Group Show
Fifty Squared Art Prize 2022 Show – Brunswick Street Gallery - Group Show
2021
National Teachers Art Prize Finalist Show 2021 - The Lennox - Group Show
Remanifested - Arts Mildura - Group Show
2012
Mildura Senior College Centenary Art Exhibition - Group Show
2011
Lasallian Foundation Fine Art exhibition and Auction - Group Show the Menzies Gallery
2010
What do they call a group of artists?, Town Hall Gallery, Hawthorn - Group Show
Lasallian Foundation Fine Art exhibition and Auction - Group Show, The Menzies Gallery
2008
X Represents the Unknown, Town Hall Gallery, Hawthorn - Group Show
2006
Things My Mother Taught Me, Town Hall Gallery, Hawthorn - Group Show
The Colour and the Shape, Glen Eira City Council Gallery - Group Show
2005
Custom Made, Town Hall Gallery, Hawthorn - Group Show
Works On Paper, Gallery 25, Mildura - Group Show
Movement 3, Dante's Upstairs Gallery, Fitzroy - Group Show
2004
Movement 2, Dante's Upstairs Gallery, Fitzroy - Group Show
Works From Our Volunteers, The Town Hall Gallery, Hawthorn - Group Show
Movement 1, Dante's Upstairs Gallery, Fitzroy - Group Show
2002
In Our Collection, Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura - Group Show
2001
Palimpsest #4, Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura - Group Show
A'Rebours, School of Mines gallery, Ballarat - Solo Show
2000
Palimpsest #3, Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura - Group Show
A'Rebours, Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura - Solo Show
1999
Final Year Exhibition, 56 Madden Ave Mildura - Group Show
Palimpsest #2, Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura - Group Show
3 Site, Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura - Group Show
Awards and Collections
Mildura Arts Centre Gallery Collection. 3 works purchased. 1999-2001
Education
Graduate Diploma of Education – Secondary, Visual Arts, Monash University, 2007
Graduate Diploma of Museum Studies, Deakin University, 2002
Diploma of Visual Art, Fine Art, Photography, Sunraysia Institute of TAFE, 2000
Bachelor of Arts, Fine Art, Painting, La Trobe University, 1999
Diploma of Visual Arts, Fine Art, Painting, College of TAFE, 1997