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Before words there were rainbows

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EXHIBITION MANNINGHAM Ben Street - Creature

Before words there were rainbows

11 Mar 2026 – 2 May 2026

In this immersive multi-sensory exhibition visitors will be transported into a surreal, shifting world, where the lines between human, animal, time and nature dissolves. 

Through a large-scale projection, a spatial soundscape, and mindful meditative activities, visitors are invited to sit back and be transported to another world somewhere between sleep and waking, inviting a moment of stillness or inward exploration.

This projection artwork was created by visual artist and musician Ben Street with accompanying soundscape by electronic music producer Christobel Elliott, supported by the projection art team at illuminart Stories in Light. Both Ben and Christobel live and work in Manningham.

Artist Bios
Ben Street is a visual artist and musician originally from Warrnambool, now based in Naarm (Melbourne). He works across a wide range of mediums, bringing together diverse techniques on paper and canvas to create bold, multi-layered pieces. His style blends psychedelic colour, abstract forms, and offbeat character design, resulting in artwork that is vibrant, unconventional, and distinct. He also creates psychedelic music, which continues to inspire and influence the tone and energy of his broader creative practice.

Christobel Elliott is an electronic music producer based in Naarm (Melbourne) known for her electronic pop duo ‘Pillow Pro’. Christobel is set to release her debut album early 2026 which will crystallise her sonic perspective and identity as a solo artist and explore dynamics of power, resilience and love. As a youth music facilitator and community worker, Christobel is passionate about accessible music education for young people and is also a DJ and co-host of Salaam radio on 3cr platforming artists and voices from the SWANA region and beyond.

Image courtesy of the artist Ben Street. 

Gallery Details

Manningham Art Gallery
Ground Floor, MC2
687 Doncaster Road
Doncaster VIC 3108
T: 9840 9367
E: gallery@manningham.vic.gov.au
W: Visit Website

Opening Hours
Wednesday – Saturday: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Entry is Free

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Gallery Info

The Public Galleries Association of Victoria (PGAV) acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands where our office is located, and all Traditional Owners of country throughout Victoria and Australia. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples enduring traditions and continuing creative cultures. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

We are an LGBTQIA+ friendly organisation that celebrates diversity. We are committed to providing safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive services for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

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