APT8 arrives in Brisbane

As you can see from this amazing image by Australian artist Danie Mellor (above) Ive been out and about seeing some beautiful work over the weekend in Brisbane - as the 8th Asia Pacific Triennial has just opened. The Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) and the Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) have been taken over by some amazing contemporary artists. And believe me - two days was just enough! 

The APT is such a brilliant and unique exhibition and The Queensland Arts has to be commended for their brave move to continue investing in this initiative to find, cultivate, support, and acquire artworks from countries such as Myanmar, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Mongolia, New Caledonia and every country in between. The collection of works they present is always interesting, diverse and completely thought provoking. 

Ive just been to Venice to see the Biennale this year and I swear I saw more eclectic and engaging work in Brisbane with this Triennial than I did in Italy. The work this time focused on some key areas such as kinetic energy, issues of personal identity, the environment, displacement and globalisation. 

The one phrase I wrote down when I entered the foyer space at GOMA this year was....

'Public space + collective experience' 

and I think that's what all the works were really about. 

Protest, sharing of information, and a want of acceptance and acknowledgement of our histories - both past and present. 

Great show.

I didnt take many pics but here are a few that made it onto my phone.

Massive mural charcoal drawing by Indian artist Prabhakar Pachpute in the GOMA foyer
created in a couple of days before the exhibition opened

Min Thein Sungs amazing sculptural installation at GOMA.
He is from Myanmar and this work was all about the oppression in his country
and how people made their own toys using everyday materials

Mural drawing in the Queensland Art Gallery by an Indian artist

This amazing multimedia installation by Nicolas Mole (Kanak Peoples/New Caledonia)
was one of my favourite artworks.
It was made in collaboration with artists and performers from New Caledonia

My mate Amelia taking photos of the massive installation of 1000 Venetian blinds
that was in the Queensland art gallery waterfall foyer
by artist Haegue Yang (South Korea)

It was hard to take pics of these stunning photos by Taloi Havini + Stuart Miller
that represent the Hako people and the environmental concerns of  Bougainville.
I loved this series of works...

Amazing SaVage K'lub created by New Zealand artist Rosanna Raymond

A couple of pics of the HUGE installation of paintings, sculptures, drawings and everything else in between ...
by three artists - Ramin Haerizadeh (Iran/UAE), Rokni Haerizadeh (Iran/UEA), Hesam Rahmanian (USA,UEA)
The whole thing was mad, absurd, DADA and funny...

Beautiful work by Joe Ngallametta in QAG.
It wasnt a part of the Triennial but I loved it anyway

Three galleries in three months and three times ive found the work of Vincent Namadjira exhibited!
This man's work is going to be huge! 

Had to finish with this colouring in table at QAG
Amelia and I spent a little while here creating patterns with the other kids and parents at the gallery
The program is events of kids at the Asia Pacific Triennial is always brilliant! 

big sky dreaming

October and the Christmas season has officially begun! Or so say our major high streets! 

I can barely get my head around the idea that 2015 is nearly out the door... 

Too many things have been happening around in me since coming home from Europe in mid July. And in amongst it all ive had some studio deadlines for a few new works on canvas, on paper, and in coil weaving. So today I thought id share an image of a new series coil woven objects that will be heading to Adelaide next week. 

They'll be taking part in a group exhibition at a lovely space called Council of Objects that is owned by Elise Short who is passionate about promoting local artists. The show is called TONE and it will feature the work of some great Australian artists including Mel Robson (ceramics), Amanda Dziedzic (glass), Abby Seymour (jewellery) and Vic Pemberton (textiles). 

The opening is on Friday October 23 and on Sunday Oct 25 Ill be teaching a five hour coil weaving workshop at the beautiful Gate 8 studios in Thebarton. Its been two years since I taught there, so Im looking forward to going back and playing in such an amazing creative space.

If youre in Adelaide please come along to the opening or the workshop.

All the details can be found at www.tinytrappings.bigcartel.com

And in the meantime I hope you have a great weekend - 

x

each artist was given this beautiful swatch of colours
that was to act as the inspiration for the artworks

graphite markings. 2015

charcoal sketch. 2015

raindrop. 2015

details from dreaming

Details from Tracey Deeps beautiful exhibition at Koskela

It's difficult to write about this exhibition that I went to see at Koskela last week.
Writing about it would be similar to describing Vegemite to someone who has never tasted it before
You know that conversation that carries on forever until you say  - 'You've just got to try it!'?!

Well - it's the same in this situation.
I could talk on and on about Tracey Deep's exhibition entitled Dreaming - but - you just have to see it!
If not in person than in photos.

Tracey's work is amazingly beautiful from up close and 20 metres away.
Its textural, complex, thoughtful and in many cases - HUGE!
That is why the industrial walls of Koskela seemed to be made for her.

Its rare to see a gallery space and an artists' work match each other perfectly.
But when it does.... its magic.
...........

Dreaming by Tracey Deep is on show at Koskela until July 2.
And if you would like to know more about Tracey , her artwork +  new workshops at Koskela,
please have a look here...

This was one of my favourite pieces by Tracey...

So so many different textures...

... and they seamlessly blended with Koskela's industrial walls.

Oh - to have this on your wall!

A wall view of Tracey's beautiful exhibition.

the textures and colours of apt7

I think this detail Sara Rahbar's work sums up the whole Asia Pacific Triennial in Brisbane.... 

Ive been trying to write this post since i arrived back from Brisbane.

I rarely struggle with a blog post, as I usually try and keep them simple, like a diary entry.

But this one has been hard. 

Simply because the 7th Asia Pacific Triennial (APT7) at the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in Brisbane was...
Incredible. Massive. Detailed. 

And overwhelming. 

Again.

Three years ago I went with my mate Amelia to see this exhibition that had been celebrated and loved for some 17 years. We didn't know what to expect.
And as such, we were completely blown away. 

I remember how excited it made me about art - and more specifically - the contemporary art world. 

This year was no different.

Over two days I learnt a lot about the art and peoples of Papua New Guinea, the emerging artists' of Indonesia, and many places in between.  I realised that the art world is changing, and becoming more diverse in its points of view. As one person eloquently put it: the art world is shifting its boundaries. No longer do we have to look toward New York, London, Paris and Berlin for the experimental artworks and edgy artists. Now we can go to Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka and Tonga - by way of New Zealand!

Anyway.... as you can see... I have a few photos to share with you.

And i hope they give you a tiny idea of how amazing this massive exhibition was.

The APT celebrated its 20th birthday this year.

I cant wait to see where it will be in another 20 years time!

 This is what greeted you as you entered the massive doorway of GOMA!
Brikiti Cultural Group (Abelam Peoples, PNG),  Korumbo (Spirit House) 2012.

( clockwise, from top left)
Aware Peoples from PNG with their ceremonial masks entitled Tabuan Katmut Mut 2011;
Kwoma Arts Project from PNG and their 200 panel Spirit House Ceiling that was mounted on the wall;
Alex Gabour (PNG), and his Ule and Neo (male and female fish Masks) 2011;
 Iatapal Cultural Group (PNG), Mary 2011 headdresses 

Made in Company (China), Spread 201009103, 2010.
This multicoloured installation greeted you as you entered one of the rooms at The
Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) which showcased some of the APT7 artworks. 

(clockwise, from top left)
Solpolemalama Filipe Tohi (Tonga/NZ), Kulasi 2003-12 ,installation of lalava;
Asmat wooden carvings from the Asmat region of Papua;
Sulka Peoples of PNG and their beautiful headdresses;
Sara Rahbar (Iran/USA), and her multi textured recycled flag artworks on the wall

(Clockwise from top left)
Nguyen Manh Hung (Vietnam) and a detail of his amazing installation Living Together in Paradise 2009;
Takahiro Iwasaki (Japan), Reflection Model (Perfect Bliss) 2010-12;
PARAMODEL(Japan), How to Make a Paramodel,  Room Installation,2012;
Huang Yong Ping (China), Ressort 2012, steel water snake sculpture @ QAG

Lorainne Connolly-Northey (Aust),  Narbong (String Bag) Installation 2012;
Shirley Macnarmara (Aust), Wingreeguu 2012, floor installation;
Detail of Lorainne's steel string bag installation (this was an big as me!);
Patrick Freddy Puruntatameri (Aust), Wooden Carving sculptures
and paintings by Timothy Cook (Aust/Tiwi), Tutini 2012

just a couple more

Surrounded by sculptures on the Bondi headland walk...

It was a hot, sunny afternoon and I was surrounded by tourists, Eastern Suburb Gen -y's looking to perfect their tans, and a massive grey army - all in their comfy walking shoes, hats and maps. It truly was a great mix of people, all coming together in one of Sydney's best locations, to enjoy  one of this cities most iconic art exhibitions. 

Sculpture by the Sea is always a great reminder that Summer is on its way, and that's its time to embrace the outdoors and ANYTHING to do with the beach. 

Its also a visual reminder that vivid colour is not hard to come in this part of the globe. 

I mean - just look at that blue sky! 

Inspiration for the week?

Check.

Kevin Draper, threshold, 2012

a few of the artworks poked fun at the whole concept,
and didnt try to take themselves too seriously - like this work by
Dave Mercer entitled view tm, 2012

which statue is the real thing ??...
In the foreground is the 'real' sculpture by Steinunn Thorainsdottir called trace, sphere, gate, 2012

one big sculptural playground // Tamarama beach filled with people and artworks.

Kate Dunn, regenerate, 2012

Bronte. no words needed.

I hoped you liked the tour?
It was a great afternoon exploring the sunny side of the city, with artworks included!
Have a colourful and inspiring weekend and Ill see you on the other side...x

sculpture by the sea // 2012

On the Bondi to Bronte Walk for the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition 2012
Sculpture:Greer Taylor, transition, 2012

I don't really want to rabbit on..
I think the images sort of speak for themselves.

The day was hot and sunny-
The sculptures were in technicolour-
And I took a walk through it all -
trying to soak it all in.
{Without getting too burnt!!}

It was Sculpture by the Sea 2012.

And I loved my journey though it all...

Sang-Bong Lee, still life #1, 2012

My favourite! Colourful, recycled, and playful...
Its by Staccato and its called poom, 2012

Mark James Emery, bamboo waves, 2012

Sandy Bliim, clytie, 2012

Alex Richie, kaleidoscope, 2012

Tom de Monk Kerkmeer, luchkasteel, 2012

Ruth Downes & Geoff Webster, casting around, 2012

Dion Horstmans, Moonfire Im #11-15, 2012

Stephen Marr, the optimist, 2012

Gaye Jurisich, playpen, 2012

Cave Urban, mengenang (memory), 2012

Jane Gillings, midden, 2012

Alex Goad, invasive colonisation, 2012

Sculpture by the Sea runs until this Sunday
So get in quick if you would like to see all 100 artworks on display.

Its a massive exhibition, but its also in an amazing part of the globe.
Thank you Sydney for such a beautiful day with which to explore this year's amazing exhibition...