Nicholas Mangan's Retrospective at MCA Sydney Explores Material Storytelling Through Coral, Energy, and Currency

The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) in Sydney is hosting Nicholas Mangan's inaugural retrospective, 'A World Undone,' which will be on display until 30 June. This exhibition showcases eight sculptures spanning two decades, with the Melbourne artist emphasizing 'material storytelling' to critique political, economic, and social structures. A key piece, 'Core-Coralations' (2021–), reflects on the Great Barrier Reef, highlighting ecological dangers and colonial narratives. Another notable work, 'Death Assemblage' (2022), features bioluminescent ink. Mangan's exploration of Nauru's past is captured in the series 'Nauru – Notes from a Cretaceous World' (2009–10). His works on energy extraction include 'Progress in Action' (2013) and 'Ancient Lights' (2015), while 'Limits to Growth' (2016–21) links Rai stones with bitcoin, emphasizing Australia's impact on global ecological issues.