About this exhibition

In memory of Paul Thompson.

Around the world thousands of people are steadfastly preparing for the end of civilisation as we know it. Doomsday preppers, as they’re known, collect specialised survival products, skills, and knowledge, both in real life and as members of online communities. The prepper phenomenon is an expression of widely relatable cultural anxieties.

Preppers examines this global subculture and its distinct aesthetics, jargon and apocalyptic fantasies. The exhibition features five cutting edge Australian and International artists presenting sculpture, installation, video, and prints that reflect their fascination with, and participation in the culture of doomsday prepping.

Preppers invites audiences to engage with a plan for action in the face of current cultural anxieties through high tech and physically engaging contemporary works.

Image Credit: Thomas Yeoman, Queer Sigil and Royal America (installed), 2018. Image by Thomas Yeoman

This exhibition tour is dedicated to his significant contribution to the organisation and cultural sector. Paul Thompson was the longest serving Executive Director for ART ON THE MOVE (1998-2015) who died in 2019.

Share your thoughts

If the world were to end tomorrow, what would you do? If you were stranded on an island with one person and three items, who and what would they be? Without knowing, we have all been prepping in one way or another. Whether it be in the form of the lighthearted questions above or on a more serious level, considering the impact of the human race on our world and how we can minimise our effects on it.

We’re creating a learning resource to accompany the exhibition and would like to feature the thoughts and insights from people around the state! Help us out by answering the following questions:

Please note: a selection of responses will be used in ART ON THE MOVE promotional materials