New Beginnings

Above: Installation view of Bark Ladies: Eleven Artists from Yirrkalafrom 17 December 2021 to 25 April 2022 at NGV International,Melbourne, featuring Naminapu Maymuru-White, Riŋgitjmi gapu,2021, decal installation Federation Court, dimensions variable. Image courtesy the artist and Buku Larrŋgay Mulka. Photo: Tom Ross

By Ursula Sullivan and Joanna Strumpf

The changing of a new year is always exciting, so full of expectation and anticipation for all of the new things that lay ahead—new exhibitions, new work, a new Melbourne Art Fair! Will we be able to travel? Will artists be able to attend their own shows? So many questions still unanswered.

Alex Seton’s exhibition, while covering many ideas boils down to one: memory—an idea which he comes back to time and time again and plays out in incredible works carved lovingly in his favourite medium, local Australia Wombeyan marble, including, most remarkably two shagpile carpets, one of which graces our cover.

What we do know is that despite the uncertainty (or perhaps because of it) artists are still making important work. Our two upcoming solo exhibitions are fine examples of this. The first in February, by Naminapu Maymuru-White, comes off the back of the critically acclaimed National Gallery of Victoria exhibition 'Bark Ladies: Eleven Artists from Yirrkala'. Both exhibitions are breathtaking and brimming with a deep respect for tradition and contemporary experimentation.

There’s a lot more to see in this issue, so relax, take off your mask (if you’re at home!), and enjoy!

Urs & Jo.