Research talk series: ‘The Secret Life of Chairs’
The Research Talk Series for 2026 follows with the sixth research talk, with our esteemed speaker, Mr. Mahendran Balasupramaniam, PhD Candidate from the School of Arts and Social Sciences (SASS), presenting an insightful research talk titled "The Secret Life of Chairs".
This research talk traces a photographic project that began in 2007, based on an encounter with chairs at a royal event. This curiosity led to a practice of documenting chairs in everyday settings with questions raised on shaping meaning through context and interpretation, through use and perception. Drawing on Henri Lefebvre’s idea of the production of space, chairs are understood as active elements that organises social life, shaping interactions within everyday environments.
Open to all Monash staff and students.
Topic: The Secret Life of Chairs
Esteemed Speaker: Mr. Mahendran Balasupramaniam PhD Candidate School of Arts and Social Sciences (SASS)
📍 Location: Library Exhibition Space, Level 1, Library and Learning Commons
📅 Date: Monday, 7 September 2026
🕚 Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM followed by Q&A
You may refer to the poster for a brief description of the research and speaker. Save the date by clicking on the QR code on the attached poster, and we look forward to seeing you at the Research talk.
An exhibition on the related topic will also be held for a week after the talk. The Exhibition details are:
Exhibition title: “Sleeping Chairs”
Date and Venue of Exhibition: 7 – 13 September Library Exhibition Space, Level 1, Library and Learning Commons
Exhibited by: Mr. Mahendran Balasupramaniam PhD Candidate School of Arts and Social Sciences (SASS)
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