JamFactory ICON Angela Valamanesh: About being here is Angela Valamanesh’s exploration into the interconnectedness of life on earth – between human, animal, and plant beings. This life view, first felt intuitively by the artist; is reinforced through her ongoing research at leading libraries and scientific institutions both in Australia and abroad. 

“I believe that art like science can help teach us about who we are, what we are made of and in doing so show us the importance of recognising that we are part of a whole.” Angela Valamanesh

Inspired by the symbiosis between science and poetry, Angela Valamanesh’s artworks elicit intrigue and a strong sense of personal investigation as she manipulates seemingly familiar anatomical, botanical, and parasitic forms in beguiling and unusual ways.

Primarily known for her biomorphic ceramic sculptures, this exhibition also celebrates the artist’s evocative drawings, watercolours, and mixed media works from her developing style of the late 1990s until present.

Historically, links have been made between the human form and plant species, not only structurally but also through language: the family tree, our roots, or a severed limb, while early medicine made connections between plants that resembled parts of our bodies and their therapeutic effects on those body parts.

About the exhibition

JamFactory’s Icon series celebrates the achievements of South Australia’s most influential artists working in craft-based media.

JamFactory ICON Angela Valamanesh: About being here will tour to 14 venues nationally and is accompanied by a 40-page catalogue featuring images by Michael Kluvanek with essays by Dr. Mike Lee and Wendy Walker.

Other public programs

Artist Talk with Angela Valamanesh

Saturday 3 September, 2.00pm to 3.00pm.

Free event.

Find out more and register online. 

Ceramics Workshop with Holly Phillipson

Available sessions:

• Friday 2 September, 10.30am to 1.30pm
• Saturday 3 September, 3.00pm to 6.00pm

Tickets: $40 general admission, $30 concession.

Find out more and book online.

About the artist

Angela Valamanesh was born in Port Pirie, South Australia in 1953 and currently lives and works in Adelaide. Angela holds a Diploma in Design in Ceramics from the South Australian School of Art (1977), a Master of Visual Arts from the University of South Australia (1993), and a PhD from the University of South Australia (2012).

Her drawings, ceramic objects, and watercolours are the result of an incredible depth of research, referencing complex scientific, historic, and philosophical ideas. Angela’s imagery stems from micro- and macro- biology, historical anatomical and botanical illustrations, natural history collections, and rare books.

Valamanesh’s oeuvre is populated with the animal, vegetable, and mineral with glimpses of microbes, bacteria, pathogens, and spores. Valamanesh’s works elicit ambiguity and present a strong sense of personal investigation. In the artist’s own words:

“It is important that the work is not prescriptive but offers the viewer the opportunity of personal engagement with the work and time to reflect on their own personal experiences.”

Instrumental in Valamanesh’s bourgeoning visual arts practice was her Samstag Scholarship undertaken at the Glasgow School of Art. This residency resulted in the seminal work For a long while there were only plants, 1997, and is the point of departure for this exhibition. This artwork – a watercolour, pen and ink work on paper and dipped in wax – is a repository for images and ideas that have fuelled Valamanesh’s practice ever since.

Presenting partner
JamFactory

JamFactory ICON Angela Valamanesh: About being here is a JamFactory touring exhibition.

Government partners
Australia Council for the Arts
The Visual Arts and Craft Strategy
Department for Innovation and Skills

JamFactory ICON Angela Valamanesh: About being here has been assisted by the South Australian Government through the Department for Innovation and Skills and the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, Contemporary Touring Initiative.

Angela Valamanesh acknowledges the assistance of the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts.

Angela Valamanesh is represented by GAG PROJECTS, Greenaway Art Gallery, Adelaide and Gallery Sally Dan-Cuthbert, Sydney.

Photo credit: Michal Kluvanek.

Does it feel that you have things to do, places to go, people to meet…. but something’s missing?

Does it seem that, in retirement, your life has lost a sense of meaning or that you’re just marking time? What if it doesn’t need to be like that?

We often hear the phrase 'a work in progress' and it's usually used in the context of younger people. But what if it's always true, no matter our age?

In this interactive session you’ll get the chance to explore that missing bit. To find out why you’ve never stopped being a work in progress and that you can reconnect with that sense of yourself.

Participants will need to have a pen and paper in order to fully participate.

Are you a parent or carer and not sure how to talk to your young person about vaping?

Join a panel of experts as they unpack the known health implications of vaping and what the recent legal reforms will mean for young people.

This online seminar will also cover ways to facilitate conversations, strengthen communication and minimise harm when talking about vaping with the young people in your life.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and will be given information about where to go for further help.

This event is a collaboration with Manningham, Monash, Kingston, Boroondara and Yarra Ranges Councils.

Meet the panel members

Sharon Torpey from Drug Education Australia

Sharon Torpey is the Founder and Director of Drug Education Australia, a leading provider of high quality, factual drug education. Sharon is a qualified Physical Education and Health Teacher, with 25 years’ experience connecting with young people and their parents.

Amanda Low from Healthy Communities Coordinator, Prevention Division at Quit

With a background in Public Health and as the Healthy Communities Coordinator at Quit, Amanda Low leads prevention strategies to reduce harm caused by smoking and vaping within communities and settings. 

By switching to an electric vehicle, you can reduce your fuel bills while contributing to cleaner air and a safe climate.

Join EV expert Bryce Gaton to learn everything you need to know about buying and driving electric vehicles in Australia.

Bryce will cover:

• EV technology and charging basics
• Common EV myths – and the facts
• Current and upcoming new and used EV options
• Where to find reliable EV information

A Q&A panel will follow, featuring:

• A Jolt Charge representative (public EV charging in Manningham)
• A Solar Savers supplier (home EV charger options)

About the presenter

Bryce Gaton is an EV transition consultant, writer and commentator for TheDriven.io. He's also a qualified electrician with more than 15 years' experience in the sector. 
 

Registration is essential. 

Electrify Your Life 

This event is part of our Electrify Your Life program, supporting residents to go all-electric at home and power up a brighter future for Manningham. Learn how to make the switch at Electrify Your Life. By switching to electric appliances, you can create a safer and healthier home for your family. 

Subscribe to our Environment Newsletter

Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.

Subscribe now

Meeting Date: 7 August 2018
Meeting Time: 6.30 pm 
Location: Council Chamber, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster 

Meeting Date: 12 September 2023
Meeting Time: 6.00pm 
Location: Council Chamber, Civic Centre 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.         

Council meeting livestream

Meeting Date: 2 February 2016
Meeting Time: 7.00pm
Location: Council Chamber, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster

View and download the full Council Agenda below. A clearer version of the Attachments can be viewed separately by clicking on the item below.

Meeting Date: 23 September 2025
Meeting Time: 7.00pm 
Location: Council Chamber, Civic Centre 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.         

Council meeting livestream

Meeting Date: 1 March 2016
Meeting Time: 7.00pm
Location: Council Chamber, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster

View and download the full Council Agenda below. A clearer version of the Attachments can be viewed separately by clicking on the item below.

Meeting Date: 3 November 2022
Meeting Time: 6.45pm (to be seated by 7.00pm) 
Location: Council Chamber, Civic Centre 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster. 

Manningham Council cordially invites you and your guests to attend the Annual Meeting of Manningham Council for the purpose of electing the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

Council meeting livestream

Meeting Date: 9 December 2025
Meeting Time: 7.00pm 
Location: Council Chamber, Civic Centre 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.         

Council meeting livestream

This livestream will be available at the time of the event.

Meeting Date: 23 February 2021
Meeting Time: 7.00pm 
Location: Council Chamber, Civic Centre 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.           

Other temporary changes to our Council meetings:

• Public Question Time – At this time, anyone wanting to ask a question of Council should submit their question via email by 5.00pm on the Monday before the meeting. As you cannot be present in the chamber to read your question, your question will be read out by our CEO.  Public Question Time form.

Find out more about Meetings procedures and Public Question Time.

Council meeting livestream

Getting There

By car

Parking available at Manningham Civic Centre

By bus

Manningham Civic Centre bus stop:

Bus route 907 City to Mitcham via Doncaster Rd
Bus route 902 Chelsea to Airport West
Bus route 295 Doncaster SC to The Pines SC via Templestowe

Meeting Date: 28 January 2021
Meeting Time: 7.00pm 
Location: Council Chamber, Civic Centre 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.           

Other temporary changes to our Council meetings:

• Public Question Time – At this time, anyone wanting to ask a question of Council should submit their question via email by 5.00pm on the Monday before the meeting. As you cannot be present in the chamber to read your question, your question will be read out by our CEO.  Public Question Time form.

Find out more about Meetings procedures and Public Question Time.

Council meeting livestream

Getting There

By car

Parking available at Manningham Civic Centre

By bus

Manningham Civic Centre bus stop:

Bus route 907 City to Mitcham via Doncaster Rd
Bus route 902 Chelsea to Airport West
Bus route 295 Doncaster SC to The Pines SC via Templestowe

Meeting Date: 27 April 2021
Meeting Time: 7.00pm 
Location: Council Chamber, Civic Centre 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.           

Other temporary changes to our Council meetings:

• Public Question Time – At this time, anyone wanting to ask a question of Council should submit their question via email by 5.00pm on the Monday before the meeting. You will have the opportunity to attend the meeting and read out your question or you can have your question read out by our CEO.  Public Question Time form.

Find out more about Meetings procedures and Public Question Time.

Council meeting livestream

Getting There

By car

Parking available at Manningham Civic Centre

By bus

Manningham Civic Centre bus stop:

Bus route 907 City to Mitcham via Doncaster Rd
Bus route 902 Chelsea to Airport West
Bus route 295 Doncaster SC to The Pines SC via Templestowe