Revolution & Silence is about banned books. A collaboration with the State Library and Archives of Tasmania, and part of the 2025 Dark Mofo program, it responds to the fact that thousands of books have been banned throughout history because they are considered a threat to social, moral, political, philosophical or religious values. Books continue to be banned into the present day.

 

The exhibition is inspired by George Orwell’s 1984, a book banned in many countries, including Australia in 1963 where it was described by the Commonwealth Customs Department as indecent and offensive. It also draws on the words of bibliophile Alberto Manguel who has written extensively about his love of books and literature.

 

1984 is set in a totalitarian regime where the official language, Newspeak, is used as means of oppression and disinformation, and where government officials are busy rewriting history to match constant changes in policy. The novel gave us Big Brother, and, although published in 1949, explores issues relevant to current global turmoil, AI, fake news and the unchecked power of social media.

 

Centering on a quote from 1984 which claims the revolution will only be complete when the language is perfect, REVOLUTION & SILENCE asks, which revolution? Which language? And is it ever possible for language to be perfect?