Nicholas Mahady’s photographic practice examines the poetic qualities of functional objects and machines, often playing with obfuscation and partial visibility to divorce his subjects from their intended use. Mirroring the photographic process, Mahady selects objects with an ability to contain and capture, or a lens-like quality which reflects the camera back onto itself. By uncovering concealed systems—the inner workings of machines, instruments, and institutions—Mahady brings into view the abstract entities beyond them, revealing atmospheres, energies, emotions and desires.
Education
2022 Bachelor of Fine Art Honours (High Distinction), Monash University, Melbourne
2017 Bachelor of Fine Art (Distinction), Expanded Studio Practice, RMIT University, Melbourne
Solo Exhibitions
2026
Pressure, Daine Singer, Melbourne
2025
Trawler, Strawberry, Melbourne.
2023
Pipes, Hyacinth, Melbourne
Collaborations
2022
One Train May Hide Another, Nicholas Mahady & Marcel Croxson, Cathedral Cabinet, Melbourne
Pause, Nicholas Mahady & Marcel Croxson, Copeland Park, London
2021
Window One Window Two, Nicholas Mahady & Marcel Croxson, Five Walls, Melbourne
2018
re: inadequacy, Nicholas Mahady & Tinieka Page, c3 Contemporary Art Space, Melbourne
Group Exhibitions
2026
One way or another, Minerva, Sydney
Locks, cats and various other discreet moments, Animal House, Melbourne
2025
Followed by Whirring, Conner Conners, Melbourne.
counter-sites, Photo Accesss, Canberra.
2024
New Photographers, Daine Singer, Melbourne
LaTrobe Valley Gravel, Churchill Town Hall, Victoria
2023
Top Quality Plastics, Adult Contemporary, Melbourne
The Exterminating Pencil Vol.4, Cathedral Cabinet x Caves, Melbourne
Polite Fiction, Cathedral Cabinet, Melbourne
Menagerie, Asbestos, Melbourne
2022
MADA NOW 2022, Monash University, Caulfield
DAS BOOT, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, Melbourne
The General Public, 99%, Melbourne
Cathedral Cabinet Fundraiser, Cathedral Cabinet, Melbourne
2021
Salon Hostel, Hostel, Melbourne
The Exterminating Pencil Vol.2, Cathedral Cabinet, Melbourne
2017
(Fine Art) & Visual Arts Graduation Showcase, RMIT University, Melbourne
Other
2024 New Photographers Program, PHOTO24, Melbourne
2022 Fini Prize, MADA NOW 2022, Monash University, Caulfield
Public Collections:
Monash University Museum of Art (MUMA) Collection