Concrete Playground

Lipstick, a spindle and a budgerigar called Jimmy — what do these three things have in common? The main gallery at Paddington's Iain Dawson Gallery.

In Hope Chest, Maree Alexander explores the minutiae of our existence, enlightening us to the preciousness of everyday, seemingly mundane items. The objects Anna's Comb, Caleb's Razor and Rodney's Earphones are not only infused with the presence of their owner, but are somewhat unsettling — they don't belong — and we wonder about the bigger things: are they really Rodney's earphones if he's not there with them? Is he currently earphoneless? Are they even earphones anymore?

A 180º turn gives you Leila Jeffreys' photographic series profiling Australia's favourite native bird: the budgerigar. In head shots from numerous angles, Jeffreys shows what amazing range her sitters — Cliff, Flight Sgt Chalky and Little Holly Sqawkamole, to name a few — have. They do curious, regal, angry, stern, determined and graceful with ease, all the while proudly showing off their brilliant plumage. While stark and minimal, Jeffreys' photos speak volumes and we can clearly hear the chirp of our fine feathered friends.

 Image: Maree Alexander