Floribunda: a flourishing celebration of art and nature at Bunjil Place Gallery, Melbourne

A spectacular exhibition is set to close in the coming days (20th July 2025) at Bunjil Place Gallery in Narre Warren, Melbourne’s southeast, Australia offering visitors one last chance to immerse themselves in a sweeping artistic tribute to flowers. Titled Floribunda, this ambitious presentation is the result of a landmark partnership between the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) and Bunjil Place, showcasing more than 150 works from the NGV Collection in one of the largest single loans in the institution’s history.

Floribunda exhibition view credit Bunjil Place in partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria

Curated by acclaimed artist David Sequeira, Floribunda explores humanity’s enduring relationship with flowers and their influence across cultures and artistic movements. The exhibition spans a wide range of media, including painting, ceramics, photography, sculpture, textiles, fashion, and installation, featuring celebrated names such as John Brack, Arthur Streeton, Margaret Preston, Grace Cossington-Smith, Jim Dine, Azuma Makoto, Akira Isogawa, Carla Zampatti, and Yves Saint Laurent.

The exhibition’s title, a fusion of the Latin words for “flower” and “abundance,” reflects its central theme: flowers as a symbol of beauty, transience, and ritual. From joyous occasions like weddings to solemn moments of remembrance, flowers have long played a role in marking life’s significant events—a narrative vividly captured throughout this show.

The Netherlands Flowerpiece late 17th century, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. Gift of Mr Norton E. Grimwade in memory of his wife Mrs Norton E.

One of the highlights is Block Flowers (2023) by Japanese floral artist Azuma Makoto, a striking installation composed of 130 plant specimens preserved in resin. Presented for the first time since its debut at the NGV Triennial, the work embodies the interplay between nature and artifice, permanence and ephemerality.

Also featured are Wadawurrung artist Dr Deanne Gilson’s evocative paintings Before Joseph Banks, Our Baskets and Plants Held Sacred Knowledge (2022), paired with prints from Sir Joseph Banks’ historic Florilegium. This juxtaposition reclaims Indigenous knowledge while interrogating colonial narratives. Complementing these are Jim Dine’s lyrical The Temple of Flora series, which intertwines botanical imagery with Sufi poetry.

Grace Cossington Smith Still life with ranunculi 1926. National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. Gift from the Estate of Brian Myddleton Davis AM, 2022 credit Estate of Grace Cossington Smith

Fashion enthusiasts will delight in garments that interpret floral themes in innovative ways, from Linda Jackson’s sculptural Flame waratah to Paolo Sebastian’s intricately embroidered couture.

NGV Director Tony Ellwood AM said: “From Dutch still-life paintings to contemporary haute couture, Floribunda explores the timeless beauty and enduring appeal of floral imagery across place, culture and art forms. With works drawn exclusively from the NGV Collection – including those by Yves Saint-Laurent, Grace Cossington-Smith, Nora Heysen, Arthur Streeton and more – this exhibition presents a wonderful opportunity to share the State collection with the City of Casey.”

As the exhibition at Bunjil Place Gallery draws to a close, Floribunda stands as both a visual feast and a meditation on the cultural, spiritual, and aesthetic significance of flowers—a celebration of beauty in full bloom.