WHAT'S ON
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WHAT'S ON .
Past Events
Fragments of Matter Exhibition
Tactile Dialogues: Fragments of Matter invites audiences to experience fragmentation as both material and concept. A space where new forms, partial views, and traces of thought become the starting point for dialogue, curiosity, and reflection.
Following on from the warm reception of Tactile Dialogues 2025, this year ’ s iteration, presented by Made by Morgen and curated by Ryan Fernandes invites audiences to engage with fragments as frameworks for exchange. Crafted objects, emerging material systems, ceramics, glass and tactile materials become conduits for dialogue between matter, maker and participant.
We explore the material intelligence that only comes from a maker’s hand: shaping with precision, yet allowing space for play, variation and evolution.
Fragmentation here is not absence, but possibility. An invitation to consider process, temporality and transformation.
On opening night (Thursday 14 May), guests are invited to a unique and ephemeral dining experience that extends the tactile dialogue into taste and scent. Fragments of flavour and aroma unfold alongside the material works, expanding the sensory field.
Visitors move through a constellation of tactile encounters: surfaces that freeze time in liquid-form patterning, timber forms that offer calm, ceramic fragments that invite curiosity, glass that captures and refracts light, and edible elements that dissolve or transform with touch.
The installation encourages mindful, embodied engagement asking audiences to listen, feel and observe. Through a choreography of touch, trace and transformation, Tactile Dialogues: Fragments of Matter investigates material temporality and proposes design as a living, unfinished practice.
During the program, we will also host a panel with design journalist Aleesha Callahan on 'About Futures ' (Sat 16th
May) where we dive into the exhibition, the makers and the role these materials may play in circular design and construction, alongside the broader cultural impact of collectible design.
Melbourne Design Week is an initiative of Creative Victoria, Supported by National Gallery of Victoria.
Melbourne Design Week 2025 Tactile Dialogues Wrap Up
Dear Friends,
As we gently close the doors on Tactile Dialogues, our hearts are full of gratitude for the incredible journey we've shared during Melbourne Design Week 2025. Your presence, enthusiasm, and support transformed our exhibition into a truly memorable experience.
The opening night unfolded like a shared dream—each visitor, artist, and maker contributing to a collective narrative of creativity and connection. We're profoundly grateful to the talented makers who joined us on this journey, illuminating our space with their vision and passion. For a visual recap of the night, you can watch the video here:
Over the course of ten days, we welcomed nearly 2,000 visitors. The response from the design community was overwhelming, and we hope you left feeling as inspired as we did.
A special thank you to all the artists and makers and to all our generous sponsors.
Feel free to revisit our Instagram page to connect with all of the makers @tactile_dialogues
