Where does creativity come from? This timeless question is at the heart of the State Library Victoria’s latest exhibition, Creative Acts: Artists and their inspirations.

Step inside the unseen inner worlds of artists to discover the intense, sometimes otherworldly forces that drive them to bring something entirely new into being.

Featuring new commissions by Australian creators including Peter Carey and Deanne Gilson, the exhibition uncovers the spiritual connections, fascinating rituals and deeply personal quests that shape these artists’ work.

New commissions by five visionary Victorian artists invite you to put their methods under a microscope.

Peter Carey sheds light on how he wrote True History of the Kelly Gang. Dr Chandrabhanu OAM uncovers his magnum opus, Dasamahavidya, a classical Indian dance work that is the culmination of his decades-long practice. Deanne Gilson shares her Wadawurrung ancestors’ Creation story through a powerful new work, Bundjil Morrgalyu Turt Barram Murrup / Bundjil and the Evening Star Spirits. Barry William Hale taps into the Library’s collection of rare books on ancient magic and Surrealism to create a monumental automatic drawing. Bundit Puangthong weaves together childhood stories, traditional Thai temple painting and Melbourne’s graffiti culture influences in a new 12-metre painting.