EXHIBITION
Discovering the Impressionists
2026
VENUE
Geelong Gallery
YEAR
Studio Peter King was engaged by Geelong Gallery to design the exhibition Discovering the Impressionists: Paul Durand-Ruel, Art Dealer Among the Artists — one of the largest exhibitions ever staged within the historic galleries at Geelong.
Working in collaboration with curator Marianne Mathieu, the design established new walls throughout the historic spaces to reshape the visitor journey, creating a new layout across five galleries. Carefully calibrated sightlines draw the eye toward key works as the exhibition unfolds.
Developed in collaboration with Paris-based scenographer Anne Gratadour, colour became a central design tool, grounding each room in a distinct atmosphere. Large-scale supergraphics immerse visitors in the history of the movement, while new joinery elements, including bespoke door panels with brass fixtures, serve to highlight particular works and their connection to the interiors of dealer Paul Durand-Ruel.
Further emphasising Durand-Ruel's connection to the Impressionist movement, Studio Peter King developed a new video work — created using numerous AI tools to augment images, video and sound — that brings to life historical photography and the exhibition's narrative focus.
Client: Geelong Gallery
Curator: Marianne Mathieu
Exhibition Design: Studio Peter King in collaboration with Mono Studio and Steph Yap Design
Exhibition Scenography: Anne Gratadour
Exhibition Identity: Pigeon Ward
Exhibition Build: Greenspec Events
Painting: Maclean Painting & Decorating Services and supported by Dulux Australia
Graphics: Signific
Lighting: MEGS Lighting
Audio Visual: Studio Peter King
Photography by Andrew Curtis, Paidi Flyn, Hails & Shine courtesy of Geelong Gallery
“The exhibition has been selected by Marianne Mathieu, a renowned expert on Monet, and Claire Durand-Ruel, art historian and great-great-grand-daughter of the famous dealer. We enter through a large photo reproduction of the façade of Durand-Ruel’s gallery, to be greeted by a portrait by Renoir of Paul Durand-Ruel at the age of 79. On a video screen we meet the man himself, reincarnated by AI, and ready to introduce the show.”
—John mcdonald
everything the art world doesn’t want you to know july 5 2026
“One of the most striking elements is a collection of three sets of interior doors, stretching high up into the ceiling. Each door features a series of seven painted panels – two doors feature the work of d’Espagnat, while the other is the work of André. Putting the doors back together was a particular challenge – across the years the panels were removed and sold separately. Reconstituting them meant tracking down each one.”