Blog – Spaces

Let's celebrate the Melbourne man (ladies welcome)

19 May 2015

How about entering one of the most respected senior private members clubs in the City of Melbourne? One that is considered quirky, whilst respectful of tradition? And with more than a century of history?

The Kelvin Club is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2015 and opening its doors on Saturday 23 May 2015 at 12pm to host the Festival of Steve.

In its third year, Festival of Steve is an event to celebrate the Melbourne man. The official program includes talks, art, fashion, grooming with whisky and gin for all! There will also be entertainment after dark and the activation of the Melbourne Place Laneway, address of The Kelvin Club. It will be "a day for the modern man", but ladies are welcome.

When it comes to art, BabyGuerrilla (photo) will be pasting "Steve" on the wall of The Kelvin Club and Ryan F Kennedy will be weaving "Steve's" jacket, which will be auctioned later into the night.

You can view the full program on the City Precinct website. To stay abreast of Steve, follow him (#FestivalOfSteve) on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Kelvin Club
Melbourne Place (view location on Google Maps)

Saturday 23 May 2015, 12pm to 8pm

 

Travel destination: art fairs or art is the reason why I travel

12 March 2015

I think my last actual holiday was 9 years ago. All my trips are for work – I am on tour, at an art fair or at least art is the reason I am travelling.

There is a blurred line between rest, play and work... it's all in one big bubble!

On that note, here are some art fairs that are happening this year, not to mention the La Biennale di Venezia – 56th International Art Exhibition. Fiona Hall AO will represent Australia in our new pavilion designed by Denton Corker Marshall. And, of course, walk-to-art will be there in October.

Art Basel Hong Kong

15 to 17 March 2015
VIP preview: 14 March

Why you should go: Art Basel stages the world's premier modern and contemporary art shows, held annually in Basel, Miami Beach and Hong Kong. Founded by gallerists in 1970, Art Basel has been a driving force in supporting the role that galleries play in the nurturing of artists, and the development and promotion of visual arts. There are 6 sectors: Galleries, Insights, Discoveries, Encounters, Magazines and Film. An extensive calendar of events is also on offer (starting from 10 March), as well as talks, discussions and films, pop-up bars, etc.

My advice: Go through the list of events before you leave and book online as you could miss out.

Art Central Hong Kong

14 to 16 March 2015
VIP preview: 13 March

Why you should go: Art Central is Hong Kong's exciting new art fair, showcasing the next generation of talents alongside some of the most established contemporary galleries and art spaces from across the globe. There will be 3 sectors: Central, Rise and Projects. This is Art Central's debut in Hong Kong, and galleries from Sydney and Melbourne are participating.

Frieze Art Fair New York

14 to 17 May 2015

Why you should go: Frieze New York is one of the world's leading contemporary art fairs located on Randall's Island Park, in Manhattan. Frieze New York brings together the most exciting contemporary galleries around the globe as well as the non-profit program that includes artist commissions, talks and education activities.

ART 15, London

21 to 23 May 2015
VIP preview: 20 May

Why you should go: Art15, the third edition of London's global art fair, will bring together 150 of the world' s most exciting galleries from 40 countries. They will showcase the masters of the modern era through to leading international artists from the contemporary scene. From Amman to Amsterdam, New York to New Delhi and Sao Paulo to Seoul, the fair will present art from across the globe.

 

Richard Avedon People: back to NY and incredible photography without leaving Melbourne

12 January 2015

There are many things I miss about New York City. I miss Brooklyn, I miss my favourite café (Bakeri in Williamsburg) and I miss the art.

Recently over coffee, my dear friend Christopher Köller reminded me about the Richard Avedon (1923–2004) exhibition at The University of Melbourne's The Ian Potter Museum of Art: Richard Avedon People. The other day I went there without expectations and walked out with a sense of having just travelled. Travelled back to NYC and travelled back to incredible photography.

I am "old school"; I only shoot with a Rolleiflex and film is my loyal friend... I know how to work it; I like the surprises and the mistakes and the quality of a 6 x 6 negative. A silver gelatin print always captures my attention and eye.

The Ian Potter Museum of Art is a beautiful space. The eighty works by Avedon are presented over two levels in partnership with The Richard Avedon Foundation (New York) and the National Portrait Gallery (Canberra).

"One of the world's great photographers, Avedon is best known for transforming fashion photography from the late 1940s onwards. The full breadth of Avedon's renowned work is revealed in this stunning exhibition of 80 black and white photographs dating from 1949 to 2002. Avedon's instantly recognisable iconic portraits of artists, celebrities, and countercultural leaders feature alongside his less familiar portraiture works that capture ordinary New Yorkers going about their daily lives, and the people of America's West. With uncompromising rawness and tenderness, Avedon's photographs capture the character of individuals extraordinary in their uniqueness and united in their shared experience of humanity."

Avedon printed each work before his death in 2004, whilst on assignment at the age of 81. Richard Avedon People is on until 15 March 2015.

The Ian Potter Museum of Art
The University of Melbourne
Swanston Street (view location on Google Maps)
Parkville VIC 3010

Until 15 March

Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm
Saturday and Sunday 12pm to 5pm

 

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

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 Naarm / 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 2 installations by Lauren Berkowitz:

• "Installation #4″ (above) is a beautiful installation of Naarm / 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
• 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)

 

Unique curator, talented artists and like-minded individuals

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.

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..."

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

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.

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

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 Among the 10 artists, the highlight for me was 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

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 Naarm / 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 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!

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)

 

In love with drawing and works on paper

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.

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

 

New year, new art space and Chloe Vallance

7 January 2010

Hello 2010 – what a great feeling this year has!

This week I popped into Carbon Black Gallery, a new contemporary art space on High Street, in Prahran – a lovely space for emerging artists. Carbon Black's first show consisted of 11 emerging artists across various mediums:

• Aly Aitkin's fantastic, humorous well-crafted sculpture
• Jane Brown in photography
• Marisa Corral (printmaking)
• Chris Dolman (printmaking)
• Daniel Kolieb (photography)
• Kristin McIver (painting)
• Sheena Mathieson (sculpture)
• Rishi Meyhanden (photography)
• Luke Rogers (sculpture)
• Michael Staniak (painting)
• and my favorite, Chloe Vallance, in drawing and painting.

Chloe has recently received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with Honours from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and has had numerous solo and group exhibitions since 2007.

Chloe's work is small and intimate, well drawn with movement and texture. The use of a wooden background and coloured pencils work so well. Chloe's people have been captured in movement, riding, walking a path or sitting.

They are isolated figures on wood, with no background or middle ground. The smaller the figure the more intense it becomes as the viewer is forced to look with intent. Chloe's work is very reasonably priced and can sit quite comfortably alone or in a collective group.

Check Chloe's website

Enjoy!

 

Art after dark

14 December 2009

At this time of the year, artists, galleries and art spaces take a well-deserved break. What's great is that art is still around... you just have to look for it.

Eamonn Verberne's exhibition "Move" opens on 13 December 2009 at the Centre for Contemporary Photography, in the Night Projection Window. The exhibition is seven days a week, after dark from 14 December 2009 to 20 January 2010.

"'Move' is Eamonn Verberne's latest investigation into the particularities of what tourists do when they go on holiday. Developing previous explorations of the phenomena of vacations, 'Move' questions the need to validate a holiday by capturing it within an image, recording events like experience in a resume, almost as confirmation.

"'Move' examines the vista of the careless tourist and their pursuit of the quintessential image, questioning the very notion of the perfect holiday and our desire to believe in its possibility despite what the picture indicates."

Eamonn has a fabulous sense of humour and this is clearly seen in all of his work. After many years, Eamonn has finally gone digital... I know it has been a slow and large step for him, and I look forward to seeing the work, after dark, in the Night Projection Window.

What: "Move", by Eamonn Verberne
When: 14 December 2009 to 20 January 2010, after dark
Where: Centre for Contemporary Photography, 404 George Street, Fitzroy, VIC (view location on Google Maps)

 

VCA graduate show 2009

25 November 2009

On Monday 23 November 2009 the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), which is part of The University of Melbourne, opened its doors to the public, art lovers, families of art students and former VCA people to showcase a year of work from all mediums: painting, photography, printmaking, drawing, sculpture and spatial practice.

Having completed my Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) at the VCA, it's always fun to go back and walk the grounds where I once played.

The VCA is an incubator for future creators and Monday was its chance to show off very talented folk. Large installation work filled the hallways, and it was good to see very beautiful drawings... oh and a few paintings... not many, but a few, on the walls.

The best of the best was on show in the Margaret Lawrence Gallery, and digital media was on display in the Photography department.

If you have a chance, it's worth going to Southbank (view location on Google Maps) to have a wander around.

What: The VCA School of Art Graduate Exhibition 2009
When: 24 to 29 November (Tuesday to Friday, 11am to 5pm; Saturday and Sunday, 12pm to 5pm)
Where: Enter via the Margaret Lawrence Gallery, at 40 Dodds Street, in Southbank, VIC (view location on Google Maps)

 

Venice research trip

25 September 2009

I've just been in a beautiful tiny town named Pinacale and have travelled four hours by train to see the art at the 53rd Biennale in Venice (Italy). The Biennale occurs every second year (odd) in Venice and is an international affair.

There are tourists everywhere; however, Venice does not seem to lose its charm, as I meander through the many lanes navigating myself to hidden wine bars at 6pm for aperitivo time... un bichiere di proseco.

So much to see, such little time...

The two main venues to cover at the Biennale is the Giardini and the Arsenale.

53rd International Art Exhibition
"Making Worlds"
from 7 June to 22 November 2009

The 53rd International Art Exhibition, titled "Making Words", directed by Daniel Birnbaum and organized by La Biennale di Venezia chaired by Paolo Baratta, is open to the public from 7 June to 22 November 2009 in the Giardini (50,000 square metres) and the Arsenale (38,000 square metres), as well as in various other locations around the city. Read more.

I start with the Giardini. It's easier to navigate than one would expect. Each country has its own building in the gardens. It takes me half a day... Highlights for me were "Bruce Nauman: Topological Gardens" (United States) and "The Collectors" (Denmark and Nordic countries – Finland, Norway, Sweeden).

Chatting later... I noticed that I missed a few countries. Oops. I did manage to view the Australian exhibit by Sean Gladwell. Mad Max, Kangaroos, video work in a large black room. It was impressive and it was great to be an Australian in Venice.

For me the Arsenale was my favourite site. I was impressed by the work and the space. As I love discovering art in different places, the individual exhibits of different countries, scattered around Venice such as China, Iceland and Mexico were the highlights.

What an experience... I am looking forward to taking a walk-to-art group in 2011.