Mambo Retrospective

Witness the bright, vivacious, playful side of Mambo at NGV this summer in a retrospective exhibition. It showcases all things wearable, collectable and iconic, as well as all the T-shirts and surfboards you wished you owned.

The 30 Years of Shelf Indulgence showcases more than 1500 exhibits by around about 150 artists, the biggest collection of all things Mambo in one place that’s ever been attempted. Everything outrageous, controversial and playful gets an airing here, satisfying the inner larrikin in all of us.

It includes works by, among others, veteran Mambo T-shirt designers and inspirers Reg Mombassa and Richard Allan, and provides a gateway into Mambo’s unique take on the past 30 years of Australian life and culture. Mambo began as a mere hobby and side project from screen-printing for Andrew Rich and Dare Jennings in 1985. Since then, Mambo has grown to become a household Australian name brand and something to be proud of wearing on your chest. Walking around the exhibition is like walking through an engaging, satirical yet hard-hitting take on the last 30 years of social history from all around our country. The Mambo Retrospective Exhibition at NGV in Fed Square runs until 22 Feb and costs zero dollars.