Blog

Curating In Focus Festival: photography celebrated in the public realm

artists, spaces

26 June 2026

Recently I curated In Focus Festival , an outdoor photographic intervention activating Footscray and Yarraville, presented by Maribyrnong City Council. I had the pleasure of working with many talented artists and delivering several walking tours.

Working in the public realm is complex. There are many moving parts, including permissions, permits, logistics, access and safety.

The artist must decide whether they are comfortable to expose their works not only to the elements but also to scrutiny, social media and commentary. As the Public Art Curator, my job is to curate and install their artwork in the best way possible, whilst delivering visuals that allow the viewer or passerby the chance to connect on some level. It may be as simple as "Oh, I love that colour" or "What is that?"

In curating In Focus Festival, I decided not to have a theme or concept. I simply chose talented artists who were diverse in the medium of photography. Artists telling their own truths, interpretations of their community, making work on their Country. Documenting how people behave, how people gather. Interventions on the land and the impact of human destruction facing the natural environment. Portraits of friends, community ambassadors and layered identities.

In these unpredictable times in the arts, it is important to acknowledge the art organisations that have lead the way in celebrating photography. PHOTO Australia, who have left behind a wonderful legacy, and the Centre for Contemporary Photography, who continue to deliver great work despite not having a permanent home.

A public arts festival would not be possible without the artists. Thank you for saying yes, being brave and trusting me with your work.

And the partners who also said yes – Sun Theatre and Metro Auto Photo (so great to have installed a restored vintage photo booth in Yarraville).

Even though the festival is officially over, the lightboxes in Footscray and billboard banner on Albert Street, Footscray are still in place to be enjoyed. So put on your walking shoes and go on a journey of discovery.

 

 

 

 

My latest discoveries and adventures in Japan

Japan tours, artists, spaces

5 December 2025

Whenever I return from a walk-to-art Japan tour, I am always reflecting on the time that I shared with the group but also the time I spent discovering other parts of Japan. This time, I was fortunate to visit Pola Museum of Art and House of Light by James Turrell.

Last year, when I was in Hakone, I noticed a white bus with the branding – Pola Museum of Art. I did not have time to visit, so I put it on my list to visit this year. The Pola Museum of Art, situated in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, is in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

The museum blends art, architecture and nature seamlessly in-situ of a national forest. The museum is mostly underground, and works from the collection are carefully curated in the light-filled architectural space. The indoor area is just as spectacular as the outdoor, with the two spaces coexisting together.

After the tour, I met my partner in Tokyo and we drove to the Nikko Forest, to hike and bathe in a beautiful onsen called Hatcho no Yu. We then drove 3 hours north to Tokamachi, in Nagata, to stay at the House of Light by James Turrell.

We were conscious of arriving on time as the house has two light programs, one at sunset and one at sunrise, not to be missed!

There was one other lovely guest from Singapore staying, so together we shared a magical experience of light and energy. If it is not raining, the roof retracts to bring the outside in and vice versa.

The sento was also a room of light and contemplation, and the luxury of staying the night, you can soak in the atmosphere at night and in the morning.

As quoted by James Turrell: "When I first met Fram Kitagawa, he asked me to make a 'meditation house' for the Echigo-Tsumari region. He gave me a book written by Junichiro Tanizaki 'In Praise of Shadows'. After reading 'In Praise of Shadows', I decided to create a house in the traditional architectural manner of this region. I wished to realize the 'world of shadows we are losing,' as Tanizaki wrote, as a space where one can experience living in light, by relating light inside to light outside."

You can visit the house during the day, but the real magic happens at sunset and sunrise and worth the drive to stay the night.

Again, I finished my Japan trip staying at Hanare in the town of Yanaka, Tokyo. A wonderful creative area, with excellent eateries, coffee and places to explore. This time round, I finally made it to Scai The Bath House, a contemporary art space supporting the journey of established and emerging talent – a space worth visiting if you are in the area.

And, of course, the food – Tayori is my latest find with a 'farm to table' set menu for lunch, another must visit. Booking is a good idea.

In 2026 walk-to-art will be delivering two international tours, both in October. Venice for the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia and walk-to-art Japan, Setouchi Islands!

Hope to see you on tour!

 

 

 

 

First walk-to-art Japan: the country's beauty is magical

Japan tours, artists, spaces

1 December 2024

I have recently returned from a wonderful trip to Japan, delivering the first public walk-to-art Japan. It was a long time in the making, and I'm thrilled to say it was a great tour and such a special addition to the international tours.

Before arriving to the islands, I stayed in Kowakudani, Hakone, and visited the Hakone Open Air Museum. The Open Air Museum is stunning sculpture park that is beautifully manicured. It holds a vast collection of sculptures and a dedicated space to the ceramic works of Picasso. The artworks coexist with the landscape, and as you navigate through the grounds, you do not only enjoy the sculptures but also the gardens. Such a lovely experience. I would highly recommend visiting and staying in this quaint town, away from the main town of Hakone, which lends itself to many travellers.

After a week researching and reconnecting, I met my participants at Uno Hotel in Tamano. Uno Hotel is new and perfectly located near the ferries and train station. I'm still a little unsure about the multiple use of textures in the rooms, but the breakfast is excellent and the service is warm, friendly and kind. It is also next door to the Setouchi Onsen Tamanoyu, a favourite destination after a day of visuals.

The next four days were spent island hoping and taking in the many great buildings, art projects and art spaces. As the tour lasts for only four days, it is tightly curated. We do not take the town bus or ride the electric bikes to our destinations, we walk. As many who have been on my tours over the years will know, we do walk at a pace. The Seto Inland Sea islands are not for the faint hearted; you need to be able to walk comfortably from one art space to the next, gently uphill, for 30 minutes. The walking is part of the journey: it allows you to clear your mind, connect to the land and sea. You view the autumn leaves on the trees, and the subtle signs to your destinations. I will not share where we went and what we did as, as always, I like to keep the destinations and itinerary unrevealed. I enjoy my participants not being influenced or too informed, it's nice to look and feel with fresh eyes.

After the tour, I spent time bathing in Yufuin, a hot spring town, five hours down from Uno Station. I then travelled to Nagoya, enjoying quaint old school coffee houses with set menus and specialised shops. Before heading back to Tokyo, I popped into Gifu to the Site of Reversible Destiny – Yoro Park. Fun!

I often finish my Japan trips with a stay at Hanare in the town of Yanaka, Tokyo. I love the area, the creative shops, the excellent eateries and the cemetery. Of course, always heading to CIBI, for coffee and pound cake.

All the international tours are memorable for me and they carry their own joy. Venice is opulent in food, wine and art, New York's energy is infectious and Japan's beauty is magical.

The next walk-to-art Japan will be in October 2025.

 

 

 

Final tweaks to walk-to-art Japan, plus Tokyo and Kyoto discoveries

Japan tours, artists, spaces

17 January 2024

Hello, it's been a while! Happy 2024.

In November 2023, a trip to Japan that had been scheduled for 2020 resumed, and I was able to complete the final tweaks to walk-to-art's Seto Inland Sea islands tour.

This trip was just as wonderful as the last. I spent more time in Tokyo and Kyoto discovering great eateries, specialised bakeries and coffee shops. One memorable place was Hitsuji, a small bakery dedicated to natural yeast doughnuts. I'm not a big fan of doughnuts, however, these were incredible, so light and delicate. I was in the line for close to 1.5 hours, but in heaven as soon as I took a bite!

Whilst in Tokyo, I stayed at Hanare a small boutique hotel (guesthouse) in the area of Yanaka – such a special experience. The attention to detail, personalised tour, notes left at breakfast, all contributed to a lovely stay. The area was fabulous and creative.

If you are familiar with the great café CIBI in Collingwood, Melbourne, you will love the fact that their sister café is located in Yanaka. A creative village with no high-rise buildings, small bars and eateries, it is worth a look in next time you are in town.

Travelling in early November the temperature was perfect walking weather. It wasn't until I ventured up north to a group of hot springs located in Towada-Hachimantai National Park that I needed the padded jacket as the snow started to fall. I visited Nyuto Onsen Village and stayed at Ganiba Onsen in the middle of a primeval beech forest. Bathing at night in the forest whist the snow fell was surreal and beautiful, an experience that I always remember!

After many years in the making, I am thrilled to announce that walk-to-art Japan is now curated and scheduled for October 2024. The tour will focus on the art islands of Naoshima, Teshima and Inujima. and the group will reside at Uno Hotel, Tamano-shi, for 4 nights.

Next to the hotel is the open air onsen, Setouchi Onsen Tamanoyu. A favourite place of mine, and a chance to bathe under the stars. I will only be taking 8 adults and bookings are now open!

 

 

 

 

 

Getting away from Naarm / Melbourne to enjoy art and food in Sydney

artists, spaces

19 September 2022

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

 

How wonderful to be visually stimulated by the things that we love

Melbourne tours, Venice art tours

14 December 2021

The last two years have been challenging for all but I'm thrilled that we are open again. How wonderful to be visually stimulated by the things that we love.

The Naarm / Melbourne tours are running again, so join one of our weekly tours or book a private tour.

Vouchers can be purchased online for that someone special in your life and are valid for 3 years.

If we can travel safely, there will be a walk-to-art Venice tour in October! The 59th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia or Venice Biennale has been titled The Milk of Dreams/Il latte dei sogni. It will take place from 23 April to 27 November 2022 and is curated by Cecilia Alemani.

Alemani is the first Italian woman to hold this position in the history of the exhibition. She is currently the Director and Chief Curator of High Line Art, the public art program presented in the urban park in New York – for those who have been on walk-to-art New York you will be familiar with the exciting High Line Walk!

Alemani was also the curator of the Italian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale in 2017 (read Venice Biennale 2017 highlights: outstanding national pavilions and artists).

The Australian Pavilion will be represented by artist Marco Fusinato and curated by Alexie Glass-Kantor. Fusinato has led a distinguished career as a contemporary Australian artist and musician. Combining gallery practices and live performance, Fusinato works extensively across installation, photography, performance, recording and publishing.

Alexie Glass-Kantor is one of Australia's most highly regarded curators, currently the Executive Director of Artspace in Sydney and the curator of Encounters for Art Basel Hong Kong.

We shall wait and see what the new year unfolds!