‘Daniel Johns: Past, Present & FutureNever’ takes a deep dive into the archives of the artist’s illustrious 30-year career, marked by APRA, ARIA, Emmy, and Grammy accolades. This immersive exhibition not only celebrates the artist’s multifaceted musical journey but also unveils a captivating retrospective of the 90s, showcasing his unending creative ambition. Collaborating with Australia’s pioneering record label, BMG, Daniel Johns endeavours to deliver a ground-breaking experience that defies conventional boundaries. According to Johns, “I can confidently say that it is the most ambitious project I’ve ever been a part of.”
Embarking on a journey steeped in grunge nostalgia, the exhibition commences in Daniel Johns’ teenage bedroom, delving into intimate musings from his adolescent diary, school reports, an extensive throwback wardrobe, and original handwritten lyrics of global hits like ‘Freak’ and ‘Tomorrow’. The narrative then propels its visitors into the future and beyond. Transforming Melbourne’s Rialto into an immersive space, the exhibition vividly brings Daniel Johns’ creative mindset to life. Beyond a treasure trove of memorabilia, the experience includes multiple interactive installations. Among them is a custom DeLorean, enhanced by a FutureNever soundscape synchronised with projection mapping, and an eerie pianola experience, all contributing to the enchanting and often haunting vision of the artist.
