What’s on in Queensland?: Australia: Defending the Oceans, at the Heart of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art

'Australia: Defending the Oceans, at the Heart of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art'
March 23rd – September 30th 2016 – Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

Welcome to the first entry of 2016 for my guest section 'What's on in Queensland?'. A major event happening in relation to Queensland is currently taking shape and will actually be held in Monaco!

Curated by Brisbane based gallery director Suzanne O'Connell (whose gallery Arts & Artists Blog has covered before), in partnership with Stéphane Jacob of Arts d'Australie in Paris, Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre in Far North Queensland (famous for its production of miniature and massive Bagu sculptures), Erub Arts (AKA Darnley Island Art Centre), Pormpuraaw Art & Cultural Centre, Ken Thaiday Snr and Alick Tipoti, the exhibition will showcase numerous works by several important Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander artists to the European art market in Monaco next month (March 23rd). The exhbition will feature large installations and will feature numerous sought after ghost net sculptures. The exhibition's overall concept is through art, to showcase the love and connection, as well as the protectiveness, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples have for and over their oceans and sea territories.

Made possible by the Federal Government's new funding scheme Catalyst (as well as with support from other government bodies, not to mention generous sponsorship from the private sector), the project is expected to be one of the largest in Indigenous fine art promotions abroadInitiatives of the kind which benefit the domestic and hence local art industry immensely (and no doubt pose a huge boon for events such as the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair) due to the exposure of Australian artists and interest generated in Aboriginal culture and fine art. For more information on the Catalyst fund and for information on eligibility and the application process, please follow this link.

While the Monaco project is still taking shape, with new works being completed and/or commissioned every day- Ms O'Connell was kind of enough to share a little sneak peak at what will be expected on display at the renowned Oceanographic Museum in Monaco as part of a larger programme of performances & artists talks as well as a special concert event. Ms O'Connell also dropped a few of the main names whose work will be exhibited to an audience of about 500,000 art lovers! Such names include Aboriginal art superstars Alick Tipoti, Ken Thaiday Snr in collaboration with Jason Christopher and Brian Robinson.

We at Art & Artists Blog hope you enjoy this preview and hope we've left you enough time to save up and book your tickets to Monaco! While you may not make it in time for the opening (to be opened privately by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco) you will have ample time to go and see the exhibition as it runs until the 30th of September. Following the opening, on the 24th of March Alick Tipoti and his team of dancers will be performing at the museum throughout the day. The event is followed on the 26th by a free public concert in Lyons at the Musée des Confluences with a performance by the Zugubal Dancers.
 
Defending the Oceans follows the Museum's tradition of exhibiting high standard contemporary works by the likes of Damien Hirst, Huang Yong Ping, Mark Dion and Marc Quinn (to name a few), and is part of the larger exhibition at the Museum titled "Taba Naba – Australia, Oceania, Arts of the Sea People". "Taba Naba" will feature two other exhibitions, Living Waters and Oceania Islanders: Past Masters in Navigation and Artistic Expression.
Jack Wilkie-Jans 
 
Aboriginal Affairs Advocate
Artist & Artsworker

W: http://jackandrewwilkiejans.weebly.com/

Alick Tipoti 'Kisay Dhangal'courtesy and copywright Alick Tipoti and Australian Art Network, photo Roger D'Souza
 Alick Tipoti Kisay Dhangal courtesy and copyright Alick Tipoti and Australian Art Network photo Roger DSouza
Bagu scultpures Museum facade, simulation, courtesy of Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre, photo by Michel Dagnino
Bagu scultpures Museum facade, simulation, courtesy of Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre, photo by Michel Dagnino 
Brian Robinson, Githalai II, simulation, copyright design Brian Robinson et Creative Move, copyright photo Tilt Industrial Design et The Artificial
Brian Robinson, Githalai II, simulation, copyright design Brian Robinson et Creative Move, copyright photo Tilt Industrial Design et The ArtificialEmeret Nar, 550 b 540Emeret Nar, 550 b 540,Jimmy Kenny Thaiday, Jimmy John Thaiday, Lorenzo Ketchell, Ellarose Savage, Emma Gela, Ethel Charlie, Alma Sailor, Louisa Kiwat, Racy Oui-Pitt, in collaboration wit photo by Lynnette Griffiths
Crocodile ghost net sculpture, image courtesy and copyright artist Michael Norman and Pormpuraaw Arts and Cultural Centre
Crocodile ghost net sculpture, image courtesy and copyright artist Michael Norman and Pormpuraaw Arts and Cultural Centre 
Erub Arts, Merad Turtle, ghost net sculpture, photo by Lynnette Griffiths
Erub Arts, Merad Turtle, ghost net sculpture, photo by Lynnette Griffiths
Erub Island artists fish ghost net sculptures, photo Lynnette Griffiths
Erub Island artists fish ghost net sculptures, photo Lynnette Griffiths
Oceanographic Museum of Monaco courtesy of Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
Oceanographic Museum of Monaco courtesy of Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

Craft Pop Up Shop 2015

I recently visited the Craft pop up shop in the Melbourne Town Hall (90-120 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000), 'featuring the works of Australia's leading craftspeople and emerging talent'. Craft Victoria is the hub for contemporary craft and design. I really liked the creativity and quirkiness the craftspeople put into their work and it is always wonderful to suport other local creatives.

The pop up shop includes over 70 local makers; ceramics, jewellery, textiles, timber, paper, glass, mixed media, installations and demonstrations. Here are just some of the makers featured in the space; Melbourne ceramicists Andrei Davidoff, Sophie Moran, Alterfact and Vanessa Lucas, Melbourne jeweller Abby Seymour, leather worker Emma Greenwood, textile illustrators Sandra Eterovic and Georgina Cue, installations by makers Kim Jaeger (Pot Heads) and John Brooks, furniture designers Dale Hardiman, Coco FlipRedfox and Wilcox and Tide Design.

Dates: 21 October – 21 November, 2015.
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 11am-6pm, open until 7pm on Fridays.

Vanessa Lucas ceramics Craft 2015

Vanessa Lucas ceramics, 2015

Alterfact one of a kind 3D printed vase 2015

Alterfact, One of a Kind 3D printed vase, 2015, Southern Ice Porcelain

Georgina Cue Mania Craft 2014

Georgina Cue, Manina, 2014, 52cm x 48cm, Acyrylic yarn on fly-screen, framed

Sofie Moran Quarry Collection Cup Craft 2015

Sofie Moran, Quarry Collection Cups, high fired stoneware with flecked, matte glaze

John Brooks Blobjects Craft 2015

John Brooks, Blobjects, 2015, Fuax fur, jersey, synthetic metallics, wood and paper plup

Kim Jaeger Basnarica II Stoneware clay Craft 2015

Kim Jaeger (Pot Heads) , Basnarica II, 2015, Stoneware clay and glaze, ceramic paint

 

The Dirty Dozen: Prevaricated Frequencies

I reguarly go through the Flinders Street Station underground (Degraves Street Underpass) and see the gallery, which was once called Platform now called The Dirty Dozen (<- click link to apply for this free exhibition space through creative spaces). The exhibtion on now is ‘Prevaricated Frequencies’ (24 June – 5 Septetember 2015) by Skunk Control. I love seeing things with moving parts and work that make you think…"How did they do that?"

"Skunk Control is a group of engineers, educators and scientists from the college of Engineering and Science at Victoria University. The group’s aim is to communicate art through science and science through art via installations that prompt investigation and engage feelings of excitement that define the process of discovery... The exhibition expands on the team’s award-winning work at the Gertrude Projection Festival in 2014. From stalagmites and tumbling stones to butterflies and kaleidoscopic cells, their polarised worlds show that creative thought can lie at the heart of any profession."

Another interesting thing is that as they are using motors they sometimes burn out so they require maintenence every few weeks to keep this show workng.

Some times I really love a show but have such a hard time with photographing it… this is one of them. This show looks much better in person, it is a must see. Enjoy… The Dirty Dozen _ skunk control _ Prevaricated FrequenciesThe Dirty Dozen _ skunk control _ Prevaricated Frequencies 4The Dirty Dozen _ skunk control _ Prevaricated Frequencies 6 The Dirty Dozen _ skunk control _ Prevaricated Frequencies 5 The Dirty Dozen _ skunk control _ Prevaricated Frequencies 3
The Dirty Dozen _ skunk control _ Prevaricated Frequencies 2

NEWER 15: Trocadero art space

Sometime you only have 5 mins to see a show… while I was in Footscray having dinner(yes I normally eat very early), I rushed over to have a look at the exhibition NEWER 15 (JAN 21 – JAN 31) at the Trocadero art space. I was happy to see two artist which I mentioned in my previous post 'Monash Grad show: 2014 MADA NOW'. I know there is only one more day to see it but it is a great little show and worth seeing and experiencing. Enjoy my photos…

Emily Yuting _ Chen Little Drop of Poison _ NEWER 15 Trocadero art space art and artists blogEmily Yuting Chen 'Little Drop of Poison'

Jack Brown_  Christina Wu  PVC14 Anastaszia Ward Specimen A Specimen B Specimen C _ NEWER 15 Trocadero art space art and artists blogAnastaszia Ward 'Specimen A, Specimen B, Specimen C', Jack Brown 'Untitled', Christina Wu, 'PVC14'

Roynae Mayes_ Clan_ NEWER 15 Trocadero art space art and artists blogRoynae Mayes 'Clan'

‘James Turrell: A Retrospective’ NGA Canberra

Happy New Year 2015! I have a few exciting posts​ coming up for 2015 and can't wait to share them with you. Expect more regular posting.

I was very lucky to have been able to go ​to ​ Canberra ​recently ​to visit family and see some amazing exhibitions. Today I want to talk about James Turrell's show "James Turrell: A Retrospective" 13 December 2014 – 8 June 2015 at the National Gallery of Australia (NGA), Canberra. This is a paid exhibition costing $20.39- $45.88. The more expensive premium tickets are for experiencing 'Perceptual cell', which I unfortunately didn't get to do because it was booked out when I was there. Also note that 'Within without' is part of the permanent collection and can be viewed for free, this work ​is ​best viewe​d​ at dawn or dusk to fully appreciate the lighting effects.

So what did I think? I really loved seeing & experiencing both his earlier works through to his more recent im​m​ersive​ works​. I also loved ​seeing​ other visitors have a sense of curiosity and wonder about the work. I loved the show so much I plan on seeing it again when I go back up to work on a commission and I hope to be able to get ​a ​ticket to the 'Perceptual cell'. ​P​remium tickets are selling out fast so ​if you​ plan on going to Canberra try and book the tickets now otherwise you might miss out.

As photos w​ere​ not allowed in the exhibition​,​ here are some images and a video provide​d​ by NGA.

James Turrell 9

James Turrell 
Within without 2010
Skyspace: lighting installation, concrete and basalt stupa, water, earth, landscaping
National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
© James Turrell
photograph: John Gollings
James Turrell 6

James Turrell
Shanta II (blue) 1970
Cross-corner construction: fluorescent light, built space
Dimensions variable: 106.6cm (max height of aperture)
Image: National Gallery of Australia
James Turrell 1

James Turrell
Afrum (white) 1966
Cross-corner projection: projected light
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
© James Turrell
photograph © Florian Holzherr
James Turrell 4James Turrell 8 James Turrell 3James Turrell 2

James Turrell
Virtuality squared 2014
Ganzfeld: built space, LED lights
800 x 1400 x 1940.5 cm (overall)
Collection James Turrell
Image: National Gallery of Australia
James Turrell 7

James Turrell
Bindu shards 2010
Perceptual cell: fiberglass and metal. Light program
420.8 x 653.1 x 607.1 cm (sphere)
National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, purchased 2014
Image: National Gallery of Australia