Melbourne's walk to art

Independent and “Unrepresented”

29 July 2010

Unrepresented, in Melbourne

I feel very fortunate to be given the opportunity to curate a show at fortyfivedownstairs, in Melbourne. “Unrepresented”, with artworks by Nicholas Jones, Christopher Koller, Ted McKinlay, Chloe Vallance and Ben Walsh, opens on Tuesday 3 August 2010 (5pm to 7pm).

Mary Lou Jelbart, artistic director of fortyfivedownstairs, describes the show: “‘Unrepresented’ responds to the vagaries and minefields of the art world that contemporary artists encounter. Curator Bernadette Alibrando, who delves beneath the surface of Melbourne’s commercial gallery scene and spreads her network far and wide, has selected five artists who have chosen to remain independent. While most artists see representation by a gallery as the best possible situation, others deliberately remain outside the accepted system.”

I am an independent art consultant who works with artists on a very personal level. Where I can, I help connect, mentor and facilitate opportunities. My greatest pleasure is to sell work and know that it is adding value not only to the client’s life and environment, but also to the artist’s career.

Gathering and presenting the artists featured in “Unrepresented” has been a great opportunity for me to pull the curtain on all the behind the scenes work that I do. fortyfivedownstairs is as independent as I am, and to be able to give these talented artists such a prestigious stage to present their current work is a great honour.

Selection process – The selection process was not very difficult. I keep in contact with artists and visit their studios often, both personally and because of walk to art. Sometimes I park artists that I work with and wait for opportunities that would be beneficial to them to arise. As much as it is about the art, it is also about exposure, which artist is ready and who is accepting, and is grateful and professional enough about an exciting opportunity.

Within the artists chosen… old acquaintances (Christopher Koller and Nicholas Jones) and new discoveries (Ted Mckinaly, Chloe Vallance and Ben Walsh).

I have been working on this show since the beginning of the year, intensely with the artists in the last few months. I decided not to have a theme, but to make each wall a stage for each artist.

“Unrepresented” is about artists who are currently independent. They are all managing their own “businesses” and are not “anti-gallery”, just happen to be independent at this stage of their journey.

View the Unrepresented catalogue (PDF file, 7 pages, 1MB)

When: 3 to 14 August 2010 (Tuesday to Friday, 11am to 5pm; Saturday, 12pm to 4pm)
Where: fortyfive downstairs – 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, VIC (view location on Google Maps)

Melbourne’s Utopian Slumps: new focus, address and exhibition

artists, spaces

14 July 2010

Utopian Slumps has moved from a non-fon-profit organisation on Easey Street, in Collingwood, to a commercial art space at 33 Guildford Lane, in Melbourne (view new location on Google Maps).

“Discreet Objects”, curated by Melissa Loughnan and Helen Hughes, opened on Thursday 8 July 2010 and it’s great to see the space finding its feet at its new address.

Highlights of this exhibition, which includes four artists – Lauren Berkowitz, Alex Martinis Roe, Elizabeth Newman and Sriwhana Spong, – are the two installations by Lauren Berkowitz:

“Installation #4″ is a beautiful installation of Melbourne’s telephone books – 400cm (height) x 400cm (width) x 40cm (depth). The columns and the names give a slight memorial feel and is quite a silent, reflective piece of work. As the artist has noted, it speaks of “obsolescence and vulnerability through its fragile form, but simultaneously regenerates, mutates and hints at its ability to grow infinitely”.
I love “White Residue” (2010), Berkowitz’s second sculptural component in “Discreet Objects”. “White Residue” is made from the factory off-cuts of leather cricket balls. Berkowitz has managed to create a beautiful installation that is soft, elegant and translucent from ceiling to floor. Discarded materials are suddenly transformed with the use of thread that weaves its way through these white rubber off cuts.

Lauren Berkowitz has completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Sculpture at RMIT (Melbourne), a Graduate Diploma in Fine Arts, Sculpture at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA, Melbourne) and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Sculpture at the School of Visual Arts, New York.

She has exhibited across institutional and commercial spaces in Australia and abroad, including Monash University Faculty Gallery (Melbourne), National Gallery of Australia (Canberra), La Trobe University Museum of Art (Melbourne), Monash University Museum of Art (Melbourne), Heide Museum of Modern Art (Melbourne), Artspace (Sydney), Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery (Sydney), Art Gallery of New South Wales and Echigo-Tsumari Art triennial (Japan).

What: “Discreet Objects”
When: until 31 July 2010 (Wednesday to Saturday, 12pm tp 6pm)
Where: Utopian Slumps, 33 Guildford Lane, Melbourne (location on Google Maps)

Street art of Melbourne (look!)

Melbourne tours, artists

17 June 2010

Miso's street art in Melbourne

I am constantly out and about and walking the streets of Melbourne. I encounter a lot of street art, but I realised that I very rarely write about it.

I speak about street art like any other medium; to me good art is always good art – regardless of where it is.

One artist work that I connect with out on the street is the work by the very talented Miso. Miso (Stanislava Pinchuki) is an early 20s artist living and working in Melbourne. Miso creates work for the street and for art spaces in which intricate drawings and installations fill the space. Miso’s street art has been purchased and archived by the National Gallery of Australia, which is such an achievement for someone so young.

I often walk my groups by Miso’s gorgeous hand drawn portrait past-ups in the city streets. When new ones appear, it gives me such pleasure to share these engaging works with others.

“Miso is really taken with the idea of art, and especially street art, as being something which binds us as a community. It functions in a very old fashioned way, in that it becomes a way of telling and sharing stories and images, embedding them within the city. Like folk art, it comes to have a very particular, practical function. It brings us together as makers, viewers and consumers, finding new pieces and exploring the possibilities of our cities. In this sense, a lot of Miso’s work deals with telling stories. It is heavily inspired by the Ukrainian folklore she grew up with, alongside sharing stories from Eastern Europe today, as well as from her new home in Melbourne.” JM – available from Miso’s website, cityofreubens.com

Next time you are out and about and walking the streets of Melbourne, look! You may just see.

Drawn to drawing in Open Water

artists

31 May 2010

I’ve decided that I am drawn to drawing and, of late, have been viewing drawing exhibitions and hanging out in drawing studios:

Exhibition confirms a rebirth in drawing and works on paper
In love with drawing and works on paper

Maybe it’s the spontaneous mark making or the fact that it hasn’t been re-painted or re-worked over and over again.

“Open Water”, an exhibition by Rebecca Jones currently on at fortyfive downstairs, in Melbourne, is a beautifully example of a well put together and thought out show. Rebecca is a swimmer and it is clear that her knowledge and emotion are transported into the work.

Rebecca has captured the movement of an open water swimmer and the choice to use tracing paper mounted on acrylic and installed on an acrylic bracket creates a seamless wave of people. The brilliant presentation allows the work to breath and yet is joined, as the works wrap around a corner of the room, the viewer is lead to three larger works on the opposite wall.

Next Set, by Rebecca Jones

It is a very white room with minimal work… the use of the room has been executed brilliantly.

I have had the pleasure of working with Rebecca in the lead up to this show and it is so exciting to see her ideas and techniques develop.

Don’t miss this show… it is fresh, light and very fulfilling.

When: Until 5 June 2010 (Tuesday to Friday, 11am to 5pm; Saturday, 12pm to 4pm)
Where: fortyfive downstairs – 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, VIC (view location on Google Maps)

Unique curator, talented artists and like-minded individuals

artists, spaces

15 May 2010

I visit many art spaces and meet many people in the commercial gallery system. It is always a pleasure popping into Tolarno Galleries, as curator Olivia Radonich is warm, friendly and open.

On 15 May 2010 a refreshing show curated by Olivia, “Points of View”, was opened. It presents new works by Brendan Huntley, Andrew Long, Dan Moynihan, Connor O’Brien, Riley Payne and Jake Walker – artists who are in their emerging years and not in the stable of Tolarno Galleries.

“Like-minded individuals 2009-2010″ by Brendan Huntley

For me the highlight was Brendan Huntley’s work. I have been following his career for a while and, whilst he has had excellent shows at Utopian Slumps and Hell Gallery, his work in “Points of View” would have to be the best I have seen to date.

“Brendan has produced an assortment of vessels, infusing them with lifelike sensibilities. Through sculptural and two-dimensional form, multiple personalities are evoked and the facade of the everyday revealed. Brendan’s works are concerned with the beauty of the mundane, dealing with the ordinary and what often lies beneath. Exploring our joys, fears, thoughts and observations of life…”

“Like-minded individuals 2009-2010″ (detail) by Brendan Huntley

I love “Like-minded individuals 2009–2010″, a 18-part sculpture of ceramic on linen with plinths. It is a body of vessels communicating, and Brendan’s naive style works so well.

Congratulations to Olivia on a well-curated show of six very talented artists. I understand the time that goes into delivering an excellent show, not only is it about the work; it’s about the trust, relationship and understanding.

What: “Points of View”
When: until 26 June 2010 (Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm; Saturday, 1pm to 5pm)
Where: Tolarno Galleries – Level 4, 104 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC (view location on Google Maps)

Exhibition confirms a rebirth in drawing and works on paper

artists, spaces

27 April 2010

It’s not often that I revisit a show, but I have made several visits to “Contemporary Australian Drawings 1″, currently on at RMIT Gallery.

Brilliantly curated by Dr Irene Barberis (Director of the international research hub, Metasenta Pty Ltd at RMIT), “Contemporary Australian Drawings 1″ is part of the 2010 international Drawing Out conference that was held by RMIT University in April. Drawing Out is collaboration between RMIT and University of the Arts, London.

Two rooms are dedicated to established and emerging artists who have made a significant contribution to contemporary drawing in Australia.

I have seen a rebirth in drawing and works on paper. It is as if drawing has become fashionable once again and has gained much needed respect by the viewer and buyer (read the post “In love with drawing and works on paper”).

“Contemporary Australian Drawings 1″ is an excellent example of the depth and breath of mark making using various mediums, surfaces and forms of technology.

Drawing by John Wolseley

For me, the highlights were John Wolseley (pictured above), Daniel Price, Ghostpatrol and Chloe Vallance.

What: “Contemporary Australian Drawings 1″
When: until 26 June 2010 (Monday to Friday, 11am to 5pm; Saturday, 12pm to 5pm)
Where: RMIT Gallery, 344 Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC (Google Maps)

See glass in a different light

artists, spaces

26 March 2010

The last 50 years has seen the elevation of glass as a new form of contemporary art. “10 Contemporary Australian Artists: A glass act”, currently showing at Australian Galleries in Collingwood (Melbourne), is an exhibition of sculptural glass curated by Sandy Benjamin and Caroline Field.

Having worked with many of the artists exhibiting in this show (and also sold their works), I totally understand the aim of “A glass act”: to bring contemporary Australian glass to the attention of connoisseurs of fine art. We always speak about painters, printmakers and sculptors; we tend to forget about the talented glass artists.

Many of our Australian glass artists are highly respected and sought after in the United States, Europe and Japan. I salute Australian Galleries for engaging Sandy Benjamin, who is one of the most educated, talented and passionate collectors in glass in Australia.

Highlight â€“ Among the ten artists, the highlight for me was Mel Douglas.

Partial 2009 (left) and Unfurl 2009 (right), blown, cold-worked and engraved glass, by Mel Douglas

Mel Douglas’s “slow process of construction and realisation manifests in the finished blown and engraved object”. The result is a dark, beautifully shaped object that is still and silent. The engraving of the line is repetitious, meditative and precise.

If you have time, make room to pop into Australian Galleries to view this outstanding exhibition and to see glass in a different light.

What: “10 Contemporary Australian Artists: A glass act”
When: until 28 March 2010 (Friday and Saturday, 10am to 6pm; Sunday, 12pm to 5pm)
Where: 50 Smith Street, Collingwood VIC (view location on Google Maps)

Melbourne exhibition: artworks that put a smile on your face

artists, spaces

10 March 2010

There is something quite unique, fresh and inspiring about artists who have not gone to arts school and who are self taught.

The current exhibition at TCB art inc., in Melbourne, is showing two artists who fall into the above category:

Craig Dermody (Front Space) and Riley Payne (Back Space) are very talented and inspiring artists who are both passionate about the need to create.

Craig Dermody's artwork

Craig Dermody’s found paintings are humorous and light. The repetition of the black and green witches and the red or white swirly-eyed monster figures are naive in style and technique, with the placement being well-executed. I enjoy the way the work has been installed and especially the fact that the it places a smile on your face… it’s fun!

Riley Payne's artwork

In the back room Riley Payne’s drawings are delicate, highly technical and a joy to examine. There is something beautiful about graphite on paper, shadow and incredible detail. “A brief history of public sculpture from mon – fri” examines high and low cultures through kittens, garden gnomes and other household objects. The works are not spontaneous drawings, rather very detailed, time-consuming works of art. Again, the work is installed perfectly… as we also state ‘less in more’.

Well done to two very different artists who share the same intense passion and the need to create and exhibit. The exhibition ends on Saturday 13 March 2010.

What: Craig Dermody & a brief history of public sculpture from mon – fri/Riley Payne
When: until 13 March 2010 (Wednesday to Saturday, 12 to 6pm)
Where: Level 1, 12 Waratah Place, Melbourne, VIC (view location on Google Maps)

Experience a powerful installation in Melbourne

artists

25 February 2010

I don’t think I’ve seen a great installation since Sarah Duyshart’s exhibition “The Lure of Echo” (read my blog post about her installation).

Installation is difficult to execute; there are many elements involved, especially technical issues relating to structure and performance.

On Thursday 18 February 2010 I went to the opening of “Slow Dance” by Shay Minster at West Space, in Melbourne.

“‘Slow Dance’ examines the tragic comedy of the human condition. Appearing familiar and amusing at first, the project explores the suppression experienced when a personality is radically altered through the manipulation of their environment. A clown motif – drained of its usual high colour and its joyous free dance restricted – flails about in a futile attempt to fulfill its intended purpose. Stuck in endless repetition, ‘Slow Dance’ confronts, in an absurd manner, the existential vacuum.”

Shay Minster:

constructed the room to be smaller
painted the walls, ceiling and floor in white
hid every cord possible
placed electrical sensors for the air pump to work
lit the clown with fluorescents that were strategically placed to light the room.

The immaculate presentation is all part of why this installation is so successful, not to mention that the concept is strong and clear, and the work has emotional connection with the viewer.

Slow Dance by Shay Minster

The “Clown” is white.
The “Clown” is unmasked.
The “Clown” does not fit.
The “Clown” is restricted.
The “Clown” is a misfit in this space.

Haven’t we all felt like this at one point in our lives?

Go and experience this powerful installation:

What: “Slow Dance”
When: until 13 March 2010 (Wed to Friday, 12pm to 6pm; Saturday, 12pm to 5pm)
Where: West Space (Gallery 3) – Level 1, 15–19 Anthony Street, Melbourne, VIC (view location on Google Maps)

Shay will be giving a free artist talk on Thursday 11 March 2010, between 12.30pm and 1.30pm.

In love with drawing and works on paper

artists, spaces

11 February 2010

I have fallen in love with drawing and works on paper. Yes, it is fashionable and, yes, it has had a rebirth. It’s so beautiful to see the line work and build up on paper.

“Debut VI” is an annual exhibition at Melbourne’s Blindside that, in 2010, is curated by Natalya Maller, Drew Pettifer and Andrew Tetzlaff.

The artists who have been selected to exhibit are Maggie Brown, Christo Croker, Dylan Hammond, Ted Mckinlay, Sophie Mitchell, Sam Page, Van Thanh Rudd, Jacob Weiss and Marcin Wojcik.

For me, I engaged in Ted Mckinlay’s work, “Those places you were not (All at once)”, 2009–10, pastel on paper, 110cm x 150cm. I have not seen pastel on paper in such a long time… and Ted manages to create many layers with a clever colour palette.

“Those places you were not (All at once)”, by Ted Mckinlay

There is great line work, perspective and, amongst the many buildings, a human element with a glimpse of a child standing on a balcony, alone, looking out beyond the edge of the paper.

“From morning to noon to night we barrage our senses with visual imagery that our mind dutifully shelves, classifies and catalogues as our waking experience. It is this phenomenological accumulation that McKinlay investigates through layering tableaus rendered in shadowy pastel. Fleeting moments are conjoined and superimposed on short eternities, some detailed with hypersensitive clarity and others disregarded as incidental fragments. The whole becomes a labyrinth of imagery, a non-functional record of information that mirrors our own unreliable memory.”

We lose so many of our “works on paper artists” to painting… maybe it’s because, as a society, we feel painting holds more presence, value and prestige.

I hope we do not lose Ted to the painting world. He is very talented and a mid-emerging artist who has lots of potential!

What: “Debut VI”
When: Until 13 February 2010; Thursday to Saturday, 12pm to 6pm
Where: Blindside – Level 7, Room 14, Nicholas Building (37 Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC); view location on Google Maps