DR JASON HARDING’S SOLO EXHIBITION ‘DONE X ILLUSION’ INSPIRES INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

Written By Grace Erskine-Shaw – Project Officer (Strategy, Engagement and Communications), Griffith University.

Just before Trimester 1 began this year, Senior Lecturer, Dr Jason Harding, from the Department of Tourism and Marketing launched a unique solo art exhibition titled ‘done X illusion’ at the Lennox Arts Collective in Lennox Head, NSW. Running from 7–20 February 2025, the exhibition was more than an art show, it was a personal exploration of learning, teaching, and design.

Drawing on over five years of academic work, Jason presented a diverse collection of visual and text-based pieces, all of which are used in his teaching across subjects including technology, innovation, design, travel, tourism, hospitality, and sport. As part of the project, Jason also self-published an accompanying book under the same title, compiling the exhibition’s full suite of works into a tangible reflection of his teaching practice.

The exhibition was one of the gallery’s most well-attended opening nights and was praised for its ability to blur the lines between art, design, and scholarship. His work invites viewers and students alike to ask questions, remain intellectually curious, and consider multiple perspectives.

The exhibition stemmed from feedback he received in 2024, when he was Highly Commended for a Griffith University Teaching Citation titled “The transformative power of art and design in teaching.” Reviewers encouraged him to more clearly show how his work manifests in the classroom, and ‘done X illusion’ became his answer.

Looking ahead, Jason is planning a follow-up exhibition for early 2026 and is seeking collaborators, both within Griffith and the broader community, who are interested in combining art, education, and innovation in similarly creative ways.