Direct from Graceland

from Bendigo Magazine - Issue 66 - Autumn, 2022

Weekend notes

The king of rock and roll joins a distinguished list of guests to be hosted by the Bendigo Art Gallery.

By Dianne Dempsey

While the blockbuster has become a well and truly established tradition in the art world, some eyebrows have been raised at the thought of Elvis Presley coming to town and having his way amongst the hallowed statues of the Bendigo Art Gallery. It may have been OK to host the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Mary Quant, but is Elvis a dance move too far? Curator of the Elvis: Direct from Graceland exhibition Lauren Ellis argues that Elvis is a natural progression for the Bendigo gallery which has been celebrating style icons and fashion history for the past decade or so. “We’ve been aware that we haven’t really looked at a seminal figure in men’s fashion, style and culture as yet,” she says. “Fashion and style history is obviously one of our strengths and Elvis Presley actually had a radical sense of style; so part of this biographical exhibition will be about how he created this style himself, almost like an artist.” Lauren hopes the exhibition will impress upon the general public that Elvis’s iconic style was not imposed on him in the way of the Monkees or the Spice Girls. “From early on, Elvis was aware of his appearance,” she says. “He was a creative, unique young man who became more determined in his own individualistic fashion and style – alongside his music. He grew his hair and sideburns, wore dress pants, box jackets and colourful clothes. He even went into his classes at high school wearing make-up.” She says the Memphis clothing store Lansky Bros, was a major influence on Elvis. The store was patronised by musicians such as Count Basie, Lionel Hampton and B.B. King. And like Elvis, these musicians were about presenting themselves in strong, vivid clothes that would represent their music and enhance their performances.

“It probably took some courage for a young man like Elvis to make that sort of statement,” Lauren says. “I think his unique attitude towards not only his music, which he loved, but fashion helps explain how Elvis became Elvis. “Once ‘the Colonel’ Tom Parker began managing Elvis’s career in 1955, his fame increased exponentially and Parker did everything possible to capitalise on this fame; that was when, arguably, Parker invented the notion of the celebrity as a commodity.” While the idea for the Elvis Presley exhibition has been circulating around the gallery team for some years, Lauren says they were aware that he would be a very big fish to try and land. “Fortunately, the introduction to Elvis came from colleagues at Paramount Pictures who we worked with a couple of times, most intensively for the Edith Head exhibition, and they were able to assist in an introduction to the Graceland team. It’s been quite a bit of a process – we had to work out a vision and earn their trust, as they’re very protective of Elvis’s story. Naturally he’s a living memory to Priscilla, his former wife, and to Lisa Marie, his daughter, and to the many people still involved in Graceland. So it was a slow process of building up our relationship with them and arriving at a story we could tell here.”

LEFT: Elvis on stage in Tampa, Florida in 1955, captured in an image that would be used for the cover of his first album. © EPE. Graceland and its marks are trademarks of EPE. All Rights Reserved. Elvis Presley™ © 2022 ABG EPE IP LLC. Such is their confidence in the calibre of the Bendigo exhibition that Priscilla be flying from Los Angeles to attend the launch in person. And while the Graceland team has produced a few international exhibitions, Lauren says this is the first time it has collaborated with a major art gallery to curate a blockbuster-strength exhibition, starting with Elvis’s impoverished childhood and reflecting how his natural musical ability fused with the gospel and R&B music of the times. Other biographical elements include his concerts and movies, the abiding love Elvis had for his mother, and the importance of Graceland as his home and haven. While most of the discussions and negotiations with the Graceland team were done via Zoom meetings, Lauren says when the borders opened early this year, she made a mad dash to Memphis to meet the archives team in Graceland and finalise the arrangements. “Even driving up Elvis Presley Boulevard, as it’s now called, and getting a glimpse of the mansion was exciting,” she says. “As it was winter over there, I was lucky to practically get the place to myself. Stepping into Graceland for the first time, I was just transported by how warm and functional it was, alongside the playful, eclectic patchwork of the interior design.” Lauren’s visit wasn’t all bells and whistles. Most of her time was spent with the staff assessing agreed-upon artifacts in terms of their size and eventual display in Bendigo. And in case people are wondering, the lavish, iconic jumpsuits, influenced by costume designer Bill Belew, will also be on display. Given the depressing nature of COVID over the past two years, Elvis will bring to gallery visitors a shot in the arm of an entirely different nature. The exhibition will include over 300 items, including costumes, vintage memorabilia, photographs and other items from the Graceland archives. Elvis: Direct from Graceland is showing at the Bendigo Art Gallery from March 19-July 17. Phone 5434 6088 for more information.

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A cohort of creatives gathered at The Capital theatre for the conclusion of the Emporium Creative Hub Incubator.

Participants came from a wide range of creative industries including film, fashion and design, pitching their innovative ideas to arts leaders and peers. The 12-week program aided entrepreneurs in kick-starting their businesses and sharpening their skills.

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Our seasonal main menu includes delicious favourites such as mushroom crumpets, cauliflower and gorgonzola fritters, fried chicken and waffles, 5 grain porridge and lamb salad served daily from 8am - 3pm.

From 4pm - 8pm Friday and Saturday evenings we offer a light tapas style menu.

Showcasing a love for specialty coffee, all day breakfast and lunch, complemented by our friendly staff.

cortille

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FUN RUN RETURNS

Among the trees at Rosalind Park was the start and finish line for the first Bendigo Ford Fun Run in three years.

Participants raised vital funds for the children’s ward at Bendigo Health through the multi-length events, all weaving through downtown Bendigo. Keen youngsters had a go at a 1km dash, supported by their parents.

Direct from Graceland

Next Article

Weekend notes

The king of rock and roll joins a distinguished list of guests to be hosted by the Bendigo Art Gallery.

CREATIVE MINDS ON SHOW

A cohort of creatives gathered at The Capital theatre for the conclusion of the Emporium Creative Hub Incubator.

CORTILLE IS NOW A LICENSED VENUE SERVING A RANGE OF LOCAL BEER AND WINE

Showcasing a love for specialty coffee, all day breakfast and lunch, complemented by our friendly staff.

cortille

FUN RUN RETURNS

Among the trees at Rosalind Park was the start and finish line for the first Bendigo Ford Fun Run in three years.

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Bendigo Magazine - Issue 66 - Autumn, 2022