Madi Mercer, 'UNKNOWN', 2025, Woven raffia grass, approx. 20cm H x 15cm W x 30cm L. Collection of the University of Melbourne.
MARS is excited to finally announce the acquisition of Madi Mercer's work 'UNKNOWN' by the University of Melbourne (UoM) for the Medical History Museum!
'UNKNOWN’ by Madi was acquired earlier this year during its debut at Melbourne Art Fair for MARS' curated stand titled 'Temporal Legacies', which unveiled new works across different mediums by artists Georgia Boseley (Central and Eastern Arrernte), Jenna Lee (Larrakia), Madi Mercer (Wadawurrung), Damien Shen (Ngarrindjeri) and Cassie Sullivan (lutruwita/Tasmanian). Spotlighting works deeply imbued in recontextualising Country, the artists in this exhibition investigate the complexities of First Nations heritage through their unique voices.
Madi's work will be included in 'Scientific Racism' by the UoM, opening on the 27 July at the Harry Brookes Allen Museum of Anatomy and Pathology, Parkville. This exhibition builds upon the university's landmark exhibition '65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art', 2025. The reinstallation brings together more than 100 objects from the MDHS Museum collections and University archives, and recent acquisitions.
MARS is excited to also premier new works by Madi in her upcoming exhibition in the gallery showing in October, 2026.
We asked MARS Gallery Director Andy Dinan:
Why is it important for young First Nations artists to be collected by institutions?
Institutional acquisitions from commercial galleries play a vital role in supporting the careers of emerging First Nations artists. For a young artist such as Madi Mercer (Wadawurrung), inclusion in a major public collection acknowledges the cultural, historical and contemporary significance of their work, while elevating their practice at an important stage in their career.
More broadly, institutional acquisitions help ensure First Nations stories, knowledge, practices and culture are preserved and shared with future generations. They are a meaningful commitment to supporting First Nations artists and communities. – Andy Dinan
July 24, 2026