Launch: Wednesday 1 Oct 6–8PM

Machine Residue, curated by Yi Li, brings together works by Ammar Yonis, bAg, Ma Ei and Safa El Samad. Intertwining the voices of diaspora artists living in Melbourne’s west this exhibition explores war, loss and survival, and asks: what remains under systemic violence, dehumanising regimes and their aftermath?

In this exhibition, some works emerge directly from personal encounters with military governments and forced displacement, while others respond to the intergenerational impact of those experiences. Critical yet caring dialogues unfold through diverse mediums, painting, photography, short stories and textile practices, revealing intimate and collective traces of resistance.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Ammar Yonis is a Harari-Australian writer and filmmaker. His work spans photography, short stories, and award-winning films, including Hassan (2024), which has screened internationally. He is currently completing his debut manuscript.

bAg (Pyae Phyo Thu) is an interdisciplinary artist working across painting, performance and screenwork. His work draws from experience as a displaced artist across Burma (Myanmar), Thailand and now Australia. bAg's rebellious spirit has burned bright since his teenage years, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to his one true passion: art. His paintings captivate with their unique blend of natural elements intertwined with everyday objects observed through his keen eye. Always pushing boundaries, bAg's penchant for larger canvases marks him as a daring risk-taker in the world of art, finding inspiration in the struggles of people fighting for freedom amid conflict, a theme that resonates deeply in his work.
Ma Ei, born in 1978 in Dawei, Myanmar, is a multifaceted artist known for her paintings, drawings, abstract photography, and performance art.

Her work frequently addresses feminist themes, focusing on gender equality and the pursuit of peace. These themes are deeply rooted in her personal experiences as a woman facing societal inequality, and she uses her art to challenge norms and provoke discussion on these critical issues. Throughout her career, Ma Ei has exhibited in over 50 shows across Myanmar and internationally, including Thailand, Cambodia, China, the UK, Sweden, Japan, Australia, Sri Lankar, U.S.A and Austria. She has also participated in numerous performance festivals and artist residencies in diverse locations such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Korea, Israel, India, and Taiwan. Currently, Ma Ei is based in Melbourne, Australia.

Safa El Samad, a 2nd generation Lebanese settler on Wurundjeri land, is a multidisciplinary artist and fashion designer with a passion for upcycling objects and garments destined for landfill. Recently, she earned a Master's in Architecture from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

Curator, Yi Li is a public and visual art curator based on Wurundjeri Country. She works across gallery and outdoor contexts to interrogate dominant social constructs and advocate for justice and care. She is committed to platforming artists whose work speaks to lived experience, critical resistance, and quiet transformation. Yi has developed and delivered public art commissions, exhibitions, and community arts programs across Melbourne and regional NSW. Her roles have included curatorial and arts officer positions with Footscray Community Arts, Wyndham City Council, Albury City Council, and the University of Melbourne’s art museums.

Image Credit: Ammar Yonis, 'The Other Stories', 2024. Photographed by Meyra Ali.