Amidst the Absence, A Present is Felt is a striking, reflective exhibition that invites audiences to experience absence not as emptiness, but as a powerful presence — felt, remembered and embodied. Through sculptural forms, photographic collages, cut-out silhouettes and intricate miniatures, Ahmed entwines personal and political narratives, illuminating stories of masculinity, migration and the lingering residue of colonial histories.
"Its absence made it more present in conversations and critiques against censorship," says curator Miriam La Rosa, reflecting on first encountering Ahmed's work at the Havana Biennial, where his piece was removed from display. "What began as a moment of censorship became a generative space where absence is neither defeat nor erasure, but a mode of persistence."
At a time when conversations around gender and power are reshaping global discourse, Ahmed's practice reimagines masculinity in vulnerable, generous and life-affirming ways. Each work carries the weight of personal and collective histories — made visible through what's missing.
Presented in the heart of one of Australia's most culturally diverse cities, the exhibition extends beyond the gallery through a dynamic public program of talks, performances, participatory workshops and critical conversations, offering multiple pathways for audiences to engage with the work and each other.
EXHIBITION DETAILS
Amidst the Absence, A Present is Felt 25 October 2025 – 16 January 2026 Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre Free entry | greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/absence
PUBLIC PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Exhibition Opening Event Saturday 25 October, 6–8pm | Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre An evening of conversation and community featuring a 'curator in-conversation' with the artist, live performance excerpt of Lying Down in Public Places and DJ set by Sandee.
Professional Development with local artists Tuesday 28 October, 6–8pm | Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre Ibrahim Ahmed shares insights on sustaining an international practice.
Cultural Sketch at The Castle Thursday 13 November, 6–8pm | The Castle Participatory drawing session inspired by the exhibition's themes.
Stories That Shape Us: Reframing Masculinity Today Saturday 29 November, 4–5.30pm | Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre Panel discussion with author Francesca Cavallo, Dalal Smiley and Naveen Jagadeesan.
Lying Down in Public Places - Performance Saturday 6 December, 12–1pm | starts at Walker Street Gallery Performative activation by Gareth Hart exploring queer embodiment in public space.
About us:
Arts in Greater Dandenong offers a program of experiences that transforms galleries, libraries, theatres, and public spaces into sites of connection, conversation, and celebration. Here, the arts aren't just entertainment—they're an invitation to see the world reflected in the most multicultural city in Australia.
