A powerful new look at Manhattan Art
Melbourne is set to feel the pulse of New York as acclaimed artist Marco Luccio unveils Manhattan at 14 Gallery on 27 November. The gallery is open and active, and this new exhibition lands as one of his most striking and personal explorations of the city that has shaped his artistic voice for more than two decades.
The collection captures Manhattan from places most people never see. Luccio worked across rooftops, sidewalks and hidden vantage points throughout the city, often in the unpredictability of New York weather. The result is a body of work that feels immediate and alive, filled with noise, grit and movement.
In a rare opportunity, Luccio was granted access to create inside the upper levels of the Chrysler Building. Positioned beside the building’s iconic gargoyles, he produced some of the most arresting pieces in the show, each carrying the energy of the streets far below. Other works were developed during his residency at the Australian American Association, where he worked at all hours in front of sweeping views of the Empire State Building.
Manhattan is not a romantic portrait. It is a raw, honest and layered interpretation of a city that never quite sits still. Luccio has always been drawn to emotional truth over postcard perfection, and this exhibition reveals New York exactly as he experiences it: gritty, restless and constantly shifting.
Visitors will also be able to explore his creative process through a display of working materials. This behind-the-scenes addition includes pages from his diaries, studio tools, reference photos and video footage, offering an intimate look at the discipline and instinct that drive his practice.
Alongside the exhibition, Luccio will present a talk titled The Making of Manhattan, where he reflects on twenty years of stories, experiments and lessons gathered across the city. It highlights a period of evolution in his work, marked by new mediums, new techniques and a continued fascination with the places that shape human imagination.
For Melbourne art lovers, Manhattan offers a rare chance to experience New York through the eyes of one of Australia’s most internationally recognised artists. The work is bold, emotional and full of momentum, and it cements Luccio’s reputation for capturing cities not as they look, but as they feel.
Exhibition Details
Title: Manhattan by Marco Luccio
Location: 14 Gallery, Melbourne
Opening Date: 27 November 2025
Website: marcoluccio.com.au