Blog – 2022
Getting away from Naarm / Melbourne to enjoy art and food in Sydney
artists, spaces
19 September 2022
Yellow Bedroom (2022), by Amber Wallis
oil on linen, 116 x 96 cm
I haven't been on a plane since COVID 2019, so when a friend told me she was working at Sydney Contemporary (8 to 11 September), I thought it was an excellent opportunity to leave Naarm / Melbourne for a few days.
I booked the quite hip Paramount House Hotel in Surry Hills and packed ever so lightly knowing that I did not want to wait hours for my luggage to arrive.
I was pleased to discover that A P House by All Purpose Bakery, offering delicate viennoiseries and good coffee, were now on the roof at Paramount House!
It feels like a lifetime ago since I have worked at an art fair or been a participant. My sister and her partner joined me at Carriageworks for the opening to wander through the crowds and the art on offer. As usual, there was a lot to take in and I must say I was a little underwhelmed.
Mothering Garden (2021), by Kathy Temin
Synthetic fur, synthetic filing (detail)
Many sections, many galleries and poor curation of the stands. I felt that it is always best to have a solo exhibition of one artist so that a viewer can see the depth of their practise rather than just having a token work which leaves you wanting more.
Melbourne's Nicholas Thompson Gallery always presents a considered stand, this year exhibiting a solo presentation of artist Amber Wallis.
Some of the installations placed around the fair were quite enjoyable. The most joyful and tactile was by Kathy Temin, Mothering Garden, 2021 presented by Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery in Paddington. The synthetic fur sculpture/installation of a non-functional playground was inviting, comforting and cuddly to say the least.
And the highlight for me was the work of Austrian artist Daniel Domig presented by Chalk Horse Gallery in Sydney. I really enjoyed the use of colour, the transparency on the canvas, the fluid movement of paint and the abstract composition.
Remind me of Matter (2022), by Daniel Domig
Oil on linen (detail)
Dinner was at the lovely Alberto's Lounge in Surry Hills and lunch the next day, after a wonderful trip to White Rabbit Gallery, was at Lucky Kwong, which was fabulous!
Apart from the plane being delayed when leaving and returning to Naarm / Melbourne, it was nice to get away.
Fresh energy and colour to Melbourne streets after lying dormant for 2 years
artists, spaces
30 May 2022
Installation view of Leo by Sarah Crowest,
Corrs Lane, Chinatown, Melbourne.
Photo courtesy of Flash Forward
It has been a while between posts, but as we emerge (once again) I feel like we are finally on our way back to recovery after too many lockdowns and too many COVID restrictions.
It feels like a luxury to be able to visit an art space or go to an opening freely. I have loved seeing our Melbourne streets come alive with new artworks and murals.
Programs such as Flash Forward, presented by the City of Melbourne and Victorian Government, have activated over 40 of our hidden and historic laneways around Melbourne. This activation not only reignites the city, but also supports small businesses and sole traders, creating jobs for those in specialist areas. These programs are vital to giving fresh energy and colour to streets that lay dormant for the past two years.
Sarah Crowest's work – Close to the Edge, in Corrs Lane, Chinatown, and partnering work Leo – caught my eye. The face of Leo uses existing structures, vents, pipes, textures and concrete panelling to give a 3D form to the face. It's fun and colourful – a nice addition to the lane.
Photography – Another wonderful festival that has just taken place and continues in a select number of art spaces is PHOTO 2022, International Festival of Photography. The title of its 2022 edition is Being Human.
Installation view of Surat, 2022 by Atong Aten.
Photo courtesy of walk-to-art
Offering a diverse program of artists and spaces, including the use of many outdoor locations and precincts, the event featured 123 artists and photographers from Australia and around the world and an excellent program of free exhibitions, talks online and in person, tours, workshops and photo book launches.
You can still catch a few exhibitions:
- Mark Smith, Ugly Beautiful – Arts Project Australia, Collingwood Yards, until 26 June 2022
- Hoda Afshar, Speak the Wind – Monash Gallery of Art, Wheelers Hill, until 26 June 2022
- Helmut Newton, Helmut Newton: In Focus – Jewish Museum of Australia, St Kilda, until 29 January 2023
Enjoy being out and about!