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Dark Horse Experiment
History of Dark Horse Experiment
Dark Horse Experiment is a contemporary art gallery located in Melbourne’s CBD, renowned for pushing the boundaries of experimental and contemporary art. It operates as a research-driven gallery, showcasing works across all artistic mediums while fostering a dynamic and evolving conversation around artistic practice.
Origins and Early Years
The gallery was originally founded in 2008 under the name Michael Koro Galleries by Dr Adrian Doyle. It was established to provide a platform for innovative and boundary-pushing artists and curators who sought to explore new forms, ideas, and media. The space quickly gained a reputation for its bold curatorial approach, emphasizing experimental art that often-
challenged conventional notions of aesthetics and meaning.
Michael Koro Gallery was showing work that had a cultural currency and was important, innovative, and contemporary, the work did not have a commercial value, it just needed to be
good. In 2010 Dr Joel Gailer also became a co-curator with Doyle and the gallery continued to push the boundaries of contemporary art.
Rebranding to Dark Horse Experiment
In 2011, the gallery underwent a significant transformation, merging with Dickerson Gallery and rebranding as Dark Horse Experiment under the management of Dr Adrian Doyle, Dr Joel Gailer and Stephen Nall. This merger was a test, to see if the gallery could become commercial and after a period it was clear that the gallery worked better as an experimental
art space.
So, the partnership ended, and the gallery went back under the sole direction of Doyle. This change signified a renewed commitment to avant-garde and research-based artistic endeavours. Doyle, an influential figure in Melbourne’s Street and contemporary art scenes, brought his unique vision to the space, ensuring that the gallery remained a hub for cutting-edge creative expression.
A Hub for Experimental Art
Dark Horse Experiment has continually operated with a commitment to showcasing artists who challenge artistic conventions and engage in deep, research-driven exploration. The gallery has exhibited works in painting, sculpture, new media, installation, performance, and
conceptual art, among others. It has also served as a space where emerging and established curators can experiment with bold and innovative exhibition formats.
One of the defining aspects of Dark Horse Experiment is its connection to the world-famous Blender Studios, one of Melbourne’s most influential, and longest-running artist collectives.
Located within the same building, Blender Studios was founded in 2001 and has played a crucial role in fostering the city’s vibrant street art, and emerging and contemporary art scenes.
The synergy between Blender Studios and Dark Horse Experiment allows artists to work, experiment, and exhibit in a highly collaborative environment.
Future Directions
Dark Horse Experiment continues to evolve as a space dedicated to contemporary artresearch, with a focus on experimentation, critical dialogue, and artistic innovation.
By maintaining its commitment to pushing the limits of contemporary art, the gallery remains a vital force in Melbourne’s art scene, bridging the gap between emerging, established and experimental artists, and the broader art community.
Whether through groundbreaking exhibitions, collaborations with international artists, or its deep integration with the creative hub of Blender Studios, Dark Horse Experiment will always aim to present the most contemporary art research in any medium, ensuring that art
remains a powerful tool for inquiry, transformation, and cultural discourse.
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OUR STORY
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