April 2012 – July 2012
Friends of the Art Gallery of Western Australia
Including the
Fr iends Event Guide 2012
Behind the Scenes JEFF WALL Photographs Picasso to Warhol Film Festival What’s on at the Gallery and beyond
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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FROM 10AM
Contents
Artifacts is published three times a year by
FRIENDS’ Office Opening Hours:
President’s Message............................... 4
the Friends of the Art Gallery of Western
Monday 10am–1pm/2 – 5pm
Australia Inc. (the ‘Friends’)
Tuesday closed
Announcements..................................... 4
PO Box 48
Wednesday 10am–1pm/2–5pm
Membership Update.............................. 5
Northbridge WA 6865
Thursday 10am–1pm/2–5pm
Tel: +61 (0)8 9492 6750
Friday 10am –1pm/2–5pm
JEFF WALL Photographs.................... 6
friends@artgallery.wa.gov.au
Saturday & Sunday closed
www.artfriends.com.au
Public Holidays closed
ADVERTISING
MEMBERSHIP
Friends welcome the support of advertisers
Friends receive Artifacts as part of
Art Exposure.....................................11
and sponsors. Please contact Kay Campbell
their membership, amongst other
kay.campbell@artgallery.wa.gov.au
benefits. For information about Friends
Celebrating the Gallery Guides..... 13
membership and the benefits please visit
Behind the Scenes.................................. 8 Bringing New York to Perth............ 8 Perpetual Triangles........................... 9
Film Festival...........................................14
Editorial Coordination & Production
www.artfriends.com.au or ask a volunteer
Friends Event Guide
Management: The Write Business
at the Gallery’s information desk.
What’s on at the Gallery.................... 16
Editor: carola@thewritebusiness.com.au Design: zebra-factory.com
Mid West Art Prize 2012................... 18
Printing: GEON
Friendship.............................................. 20 Books, Websites & Trivia................. 223 WA, Australia & the World............... 24
Cover Jeff Wall Polishing 1998 transparency in light box, 1/2. 162 x 207cm State Art Collection, Art Gallery of Western Australia Purchased with assistance from the Art Gallery of Western Australia Foundation, 1999 © Jeff Wall
© 2012: the artists, authors and the Art Gallery of Western Australia Copyright for all images and works is owned by the artists or their representatives. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the Friends of the Art Gallery of Western Australia. The Friends and the Art Gallery of Western Australia do not necessarily endorse statements and opinions expressed within.
www.artfriends.com.au
artifacts april 2012–july 2012
3
President’s Message Robert Buratti
I’d like to start by wishing all our members a Happy New Year for 2012. As usual your support is always valued and appreciated, as is your feedback on events and member services.
O
ur revised format for
of community and child development,
Artifacts has received a wealth
this collaboration with the Friends of
of praise, and we look forward
the Art Gallery of Western Australia is a
to continuing to develop the quality and
perfect alignment of values. The donated
presentation of the entire Friends. If you
palace and interactive play equipment will
Friends of AGWA Gallery,
are interested in getting involved with the
address the National Early Years Learning
Lounge and Office
Friends Council or as a volunteer, don’t
Framework – “Being, Belonging and
The Gallery’s re-cladding project although
hesitate to contact the office. We’ve just
Becoming” – offering children who access
progressing well has meant a longer than
had the AGM and are pleased to welcome
the Centre an opportunity to become
anticipated closure of the Friends Lounge
new councillors, as well as to thank retiring
confident and involved learners, with
and the relocation of the Office. AGWA
councillors for their generous contribution:
dispositions for learning such as curiosity,
staff and Friends Council are grateful for
Rosemary Fitzgerald, Reg Gillard, Colleen
creativity, enthusiasm and imagination.
your patience and support of the Gallery’s
Harris and Annie Silberstein.
As an organisation, we are very excited
facelift, and the staff and volunteers who
to continue this association and further
do a wonderful job at reception.
I’d also like to thank members and
A transformation of the current
the public for their support and emails of
developing community interaction. Special
gratitude for the Friends Children’s Activity
thanks are due to Mariana Atkins, Gwen
Friends Lounge into a themed VIP and
Space which formed part of the Princely
Gaff, Di Yarrall and her team for bringing
Friends Lounge is planned to coincide
Treasures exhibition. Created to provide
this project together.
with the MoMA exhibitions and activities.
a dedicated family space and to assist in
Looking forward, the countdown to
Reopening in June, Members will enjoy
introducing young children to the Art
Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters
the usual relaxing refreshments plus
Gallery of Western Australia, the project
begins this month with the Gallery starting
additional benefits. Access to the lounge
was a great success with the valuable support
to take shape behind the scenes for what is
will be upon presentation of your valid
of Lotterywest. The Friends have now had
looking like one of Perth’s most fascinating
Membership card.
the pleasure of donating the wonderful
exhibitions to date. Congratulations to
centrepiece and activity space equipment
Dr. Stefano Carboni and his team for
the Centenary Galleries, where we will
to the soon to be launched, Gowrie Family
such a coup. As usual the Friends will be
reinvigorate the ‘Friends of AGWA Gallery’.
and Children’s Centre. With a long and
offering a range of events as part of the
This gallery space was dedicated in 1995,
successful history of support to families
exhibition schedule, including a dedicated
the Centenary year of AGWA and the
The Friends Office will remain in
and children, ‘The Gowrie’ is a not-for-
film festival and lecture series (see all details
Friends 21st Anniversary, in recognition
profit community organisation, established
in our new Friends Event Guide in this
of the Friends’ generous contribution to
in 1940, that provides Early Childhood
magazine). Be sure to book tickets early to
the Gallery.
Education and Care and complementary
avoid disappointment!
programs aimed at creating a community where all children and families are valued and thrive (see www.gowrie.com.au). Since The Gowrie plans to apply art as a form 4
Announcements
artifacts april 2012–july 2012
I look forward to seeing you at a Friends event soon.
Above Courtly Characters art activity, supported by Lotterywest
Access to the Friends Office will be through the Friends Gallery (where Frederick McCubbin’s Down on his luck 1889 is displayed). A waiting area and temporary lounge will also open, by the www.artfriends.com.au
Membership Update Gwen Gaff, Executive Director
beginning of May. More information about the Lounge and access to the Office will be provided via email. Meanwhile, the Gallery’s Reception will continue to attend to members’ enquiries and bookings with Friends’ Executive Officer and volunteers also available by phone and email.
T
he 2012 Friends calendar of events is rich and vibrant, and we’re very pleased to feature the full schedule of upcoming events for the year in this edition of
Artifacts, including the ADFAS Lecture Series; the Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters Film Festival; Gallery-based events; Studio
Visits; Art Walks and ‘save the dates’ for the ASA International ADFAS venue change The venue for the ADFAS Lecture Series will change from
Scholars Series and Christmas Party. Members are invited to make their bookings online through the
Monday 7 May to the larger Lecture Theatre at Central Institute
events listing on the Friends website: www.artfriends.com.au. You’ll
of Technology in Northbridge (formerly known as Central TAFE).
then be taken to the secure online booking system, TryBooking.
Located in Building 1, the entrance is in Francis Street, opposite
This convenient and popular system used by community and school
the entry to the State Library car park. Council members will be
associations, with a very economical 0.30c booking fee, will supply
outside the entrance to guide you.
your tickets and a receipt. We will, of course, continue to take bookings over the phone, in
Art in Bloom
the post (the booking form is on the back of the address coversheet
The artworks visiting from The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
that came with your Artifacts package), and in person at the Gallery
have strict conservation requirements. This means it will not be
Reception. The new Friends Office, when open to Members,
possible to have plant material in the Gallery during the exhibitions
through the Friends Gallery, will also be able to take bookings.
over the next three years – and that has implications for our
I’d again like to thank our wonderful volunteers who
ever-popular Art in Bloom. Consequently, Art in Bloom will not
contribute a very valuable one day per week to administration and
take place in 2012 and the Friends Council is working with the
membership, Anne-Marie Drew and Phillida Preston, photographer
Gallery on an alternative, but equally exciting, event for 2013.
Maxine Murray and advertising manager Kay Campbell.
Watch this space!
We continue to need volunteers in administration, membership, sponsorship, marketing, events coordination and bar service.
Special Guided Tours for Friends, their Children and Grandchildren
Please register your interest with the Friends Office. I look forward to seeing you at a Friends event.
Friends are developing guided tours of the Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters exhibition during the July and October school holidays, just for members, their children and grandchildren. Further information will follow through email and the next Artifacts in August.
www.artfriends.com.au
Top left L-R: Friends Council 2012: Mariana Atkins (vice president), Helen Smith, David Bliss, Kay Campbell, Marcelle Anderson (secretary), Kevin Jackson, Robert Buratti (president), Allan Green (vice president), Melanie Price, Fiona Johnson, Gregory Jude (treasurer). Top right Ian de Souza with Gwen Gaff, Artsource studios
artifacts april 2012–july 2012
5
JEFF WALL Photogra Gary Dufour, Chief Curator | Deputy Director, Art Gallery of Western Australia
J
eff Wall is recognised throughout the
prints and colour prints to intimate small-scale photographic
world as one of the most innovative and influential artists
observations. JEFF WALL Photographs will present iconic works
working today. His photographs are in collections such as
including: The Destroyed Room 1978, A sudden gust of wind (After
Tate, MoMA, Centre Pompidou and numerous others
Hokusai) 1993, After ‘Invisible Man’ by Ralph Ellison, the Prologue
including your Collection at the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
1999-2000, Night 2001 and recent works such as Knife throw 2008,
In the past decade solo exhibitions have been presented in London,
Boy falls from tree 2010 and Ivan Sayers, costume historian, lectures at the
Basel, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Dresden, Brussels,
University Women’s Club, Vancouver, 7 Dec. 2009. Virginia Newton-
Vancouver and Kiev.
Moss wears a British ensemble c.1910, from the Sayers’ collection 2009.
JEFF WALL Photographs is the first Australian survey of
expansive curiosity about photography, art, and the picture-
an overview of his outstanding achievements. The exhibition
making possibilities of both today. His tableau-scale photographs
features key major works from over three decades of artistic and
are based on first hand observations of everyday situations and
photographic innovation. Large-scale and luminous, his photographs
incidents, often reconstructed by means of what the artist calls
have rewritten nearly every convention of photography. Wall’s
a ‘cinematographic approach’. His approach is to remember and
outstanding body of work has played a decisive role in establishing
recreate situations so they can be photographed. Not so much the
photography as the major contemporary art form it is today.
decisive moment of straight photography but photographs that are
Jeff Wall (Canadian b.1946) is widely acknowledged as one of the
6
Wall’s photographs are diverse, ambitious and embrace an
his work and brings together twenty-six photographs to present
the result of the decision to act on what he has seen. The resulting
most inventive artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. His approach
photographs are large and their size and the photographic quality
to photography is diverse, ranging from photographs presented as
he achieves attract viewers’ attention and offer the chance to revel in
illuminated colour transparencies in light boxes, black and white
an imaginative near documentary moment recalled.
artifacts april 2012–july 2012
www.artfriends.com.au
aphs
Wall’s photographs are diverse, ambitious and embrace an expansive curiosity about photography, art, and the picture-making possibilities of both today.
The near life-size works in JEFF WALL Photographs, often
back hundreds of years. JEFF WALL Photographs is an opportunity
over two by three metres, are testaments to the ambitions this
to engage with art by one of the world’s most highly regarded
artist brings to photography. The detail, intensity and quality
artists who combines a knowledge of history with a keen and
of his colour, and black and white photographs allow viewers a
compassionate eye to create unique outstanding ‘near documentary’
chance to savour the unique moments his photographs create.
photographs of the world today. See and enjoy many of his most
For Wall, the event depicted, formal composition and poetics are
dazzling and recognised images, images that have changed the
always important and in combination extend photography as a
trajectories for photography in JEFF WALL Photographs.
medium, tell stories, and test the limits of ‘near documentary’ and conjectures built on memories. All of Jeff Wall’s photographs are distinctive and each is a new pictorial reality. Wall’s vision and use of photography represent a bold step forward in the reconsideration of this medium and contemporary
JEFF WALL Photographs is an exhibition organised by the Art Gallery of Western Australia in association with the National Gallery of Victoria. For exhibition dates, events and talks see p16.
art. Jeff Wall’s Polishing 1998 was purchased for your Collection with the assistance from the Art Gallery of Western Australia Foundation in 1999. The first of his works acquired by an Australian collection, Polishing extends the particularly strong focus in the State Art Collection on figurative art initiated by the purchase of McCubbin’s Down on his luck in 1896. Similar in subject and separated by 100 years, both extend upon a tradition of figurative art and art based on society observed, continuous themes stretching www.artfriends.com.au
Opposite page Jeff Wall, A sudden gust of wind (after Hokusai) 1993. transparency in light box, unique state. 250 x 397cm. Tate, London. Purchased with the assistance from the Patrons of New Art through the Tate Gallery Foundation and from the National Art Collections Fund 1995. © Jeff Wall Above Jeff Wall, A woman and her doctor 1980-1981. transparency in light box, 3/3. 100.5 x 155.5cm. Courtesy of the artist. © Jeff Wall
artifacts april 2012–july 2012
7
Behind the Scenes
Bringing New York to Perth Robert Buratti in conversation with Dr Stefano Carboni
The countdown to Picasso to Warhol begins this month with Gallery activity rising to a pitch behind the scenes for what is looking like one of Perth’s most fascinating and ambitious exhibitions to date.
R
obert Buratti, president of the friends
very best works in substantial numbers. So, the public will see
had the pleasure of speaking with the Gallery’s Director,
significant groups of works by artists who changed art forever in
Dr. Stefano Carboni recently to gain an insight for Friends
the 20th century. These are true icons, powerful, intense, inspiring
members on what will be heading our way.
and endlessly fascinating. The exhibition is a distillation of this immensely creative period and an absolutely unique opportunity for
Robert Buratti: How did the MoMA partnership come together?
visitors to experience first-hand the works that defined it.
Stefano Carboni: MoMA is the third partner in our series “Great Collections of the World”, which we inaugurated with the Peggy
RB: Do you have a particular favourite of the 14 Masters
Guggenheim Collection in Venice in 2010, followed by the Victoria
coming to Perth this year?
and Albert Museum in London in 2011. However, unlike the first
SC: The field of 14 Masters is so strong that it is impossible to choose
two partnerships, it is a much more ambitious collaboration because
a favourite artist, so I’ll give you three! Constantin Brancusi: he
it entails six consecutive exhibitions borrowing from the splendid,
challenged the established ideas about figurative sculpture, creating
comprehensive, exciting collections of The Museum of Modern
the most moving and innovative abstract works. Marcel Duchamp:
Art (MoMA) in New York. My conversations with Glenn Lowry,
he challenged the established ideas about art and what constitutes it.
the MoMA Director whom I have known since my years at The
Jackson Pollock: he challenged the established ideas about painting,
Metropolitan Museum of Art, started with a single project and
creating the drip-painting technique that comes from a deep
quickly escalated into this fantastic, ambitious, sustained three-year
engagement with the paint material and its tools, away from the easel.
long partnership opportunity for Western Australia to my delight and alarm! I am very grateful for the support of my Board, the
RB: I’m sure there will be a rush for tickets given the
Minister for Culture and the Arts, and ultimately the Premier and
already high anticipation. Can the Friends and public
Treasury for making all this possible.
purchase pre-sale tickets prior to the opening? SC: We anticipate tickets going on sale in mid-April. We will
8
RB: What can the public expect from the first exhibition,
soon be appointing a ticket provider, and tickets will be available
Picasso to Warhol?
online, by telephone and at the Gallery. The Gallery ticket office
SC: The public can expect to be ‘wowed’. The first show in the
will be located at the Reception desk in the foyer, making it more
series of six from MoMA is simply spectacular. Not only do we
convenient for our visitors to buy their tickets prior to going
have the very best artists of Modern Art, but we have some of their
upstairs to the exhibition galleries.
artifacts april 2012–july 2012
www.artfriends.com.au
RB: What highlights can we expect? SC: This is an exhibition composed entirely of highlights! Truly. If forced to name some, though, I would say that the exquisite Snow Flurry mobile by Alexander Calder is a true delight. It is softly and lyrically poetic, evoking the movement of snow
Perpetual Triangles
flakes through the sky. Map by Jasper Johns, a refigured map of North America, is a masterpiece of late Modernism: it uses the found object (map) as a base for an overlay
Louise Jones tracked down Tash Levey, Exhibition Designer, to find out how the Gallery designs an incoming exhibition
of patchwork colours that claims back the rationalism of cartography for something
the Art Gallery of Western
in isolation, group effort is critical
Australia, pause in the foyer
and Tash works collaboratively with
of his cubist creativity, and will connect to
N
between the shop and the café and look up
exhibition curators, a graphic designer and
a Perth audience, looking almost as if the
at the triangles that make up the ceiling.
installation teams, amongst others, whilst
figure could have been painted at Cottesloe
Designed by architect Charles Sierakowski,
delivering a design brief that interprets and
beach on a hot summer’s day. The selection
the Gallery is built around 120 degree
communicates the curatorial vision.
of Leger works will see this artist win many
angles and each of the nine gallery spaces
new fans, as will the groups of works by
comprises, essentially, a triangle. There are no
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New
altogether more personal and more dynamically vague. Then of course there is Picasso’s The Bather: it is a work at the height
ext time you walk into
None of the teams at AGWA work
Jerry Neuner has been Head Designer at
De Chirico and Miro. One of Miro’s most
90 degree angles in the gallery at all and this
York for thirty years. He visited the Gallery
significant works, Person throwing a stone at
represents a unique proposition for curators
earlier this year in anticipation of Picasso to
a bird, is in the display and is bound to be
but particularly for exhibition designers.
Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters, to meet
much loved by all visitors.
Top left Dr Stefano Carboni standing in front of Vernon Ah Kee, Born in this skin (detail) 2008 crayon, charcoal and synthetic polymer on canvas 179.5 x 239.5cm each, three panels. State Art Collection, Art Gallery of Western Australia Purchased through funds from the Friends of the Art Gallery, 2008 Above Interior, Art Gallery of Western Australia
www.artfriends.com.au
Tash Levey is the Exhibition Designer
with Tash and others, and to view and ‘walk’
at AGWA and just one of a large staff
the available space in the Gallery. It doesn’t
‘behind the scenes’ that follows the art in
matter how intimately a curator or designer
its journey from hometown to transit crates
knows the art, each new gallery space
to the walls and spaces of our State Gallery.
presents its own unique challenge and Jerry
Months, occasionally years of negotiation,
was fascinated by the unconventional angles
planning, scoping and scheduling takes
and strong architectural space at AGWA.
place before a collection arrives at the
Tash’s professional background is
gallery doors to be shaped by a curatorial
in Industrial Design, including product
and design vision, installed and then finally
and furniture design, and her private
opened to public applause.
passion is perma-culture and sustainable artifacts april 2012–july 2012
9
landscape design. Wherever possible in her work, Tash does her best to maintain a design ethos that recycles materials and involves responsible environmental choices. Tash commences her design preparation by calculating the lineal meterage of each work of art then considers and adds to that equation the space required around each piece, taking into consideration factors such as the visual demands of the art, the likely traffic flow of visitors, specific art conservation requirements for particular pieces, lighting and in the case of this first MoMA blockbuster, the chronological presentation of the exhibition. These measurements inform a designer whether additional temporary walls or ‘rooms’ are required to be created within the existing space. Fitting artworks into spaces can be challenging and Tash utilises the architectural and engineering software Autocad. Tash and Robert Cook, curator for Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters, were able to play around with a model of the gallery spaces on the computer to visualise the art in situ and to develop the design of the exhibition. The anticipation of installing a new exhibition almost certainly means the de-installation, deconstruction and packing up of another; the stripping of the gallery space bare, walls repaired and repainted according to the new exhibition design. For security reasons Tash is rarely informed of exactly when the incoming art will arrive at the Gallery; only a privileged few have that information, it’s closely guarded by the Registration team. In addition to her collaboration with curators, Tash also works closely with AGWA’s graphic designer Dean Russell to design the marketing material that promotes the upcoming exhibitions and visually directs the public in the Gallery. Tash will not reveal any secrets but we can expect a visual and atmospheric transformation of the Gallery as New York arrives in Perth. Tash has had a long time to study the dimensions of the MoMA works of art and considers how best they will be displayed in the spaces. When asked which pieces she is most looking forward to seeing up close, she nominates the hanging Alexander Calder mobiles, the Calder jewellery and the iconic Piet Mondrian paintings.
Above L-R Installation Assistant Kyle Cannon, Curator Robert Cook with Installation Assistant Jann Thompson installing the Tom Malone Prize 2012, Art Gallery of Western Australia.
10
artifacts april 2012–july 2012
www.artfriends.com.au
Art Exposure Greg Fletcher, Visitor Development Officer, and school art teachers, spoke to Louise Jones about art education at the Gallery.
‘…what better way to learn about a country’s history or culture than to study its art.’
V
isitors are the life force of a public
that the younger ones, lacking in inhibition, are often the most
gallery and school children on educational visits are
interesting and even with works they don’t necessarily understand,
a big part of the equation. In the last financial year
they often end up unravelling an artist’s intent. He usually
alone, some 1076 student groups visited the Gallery totalling an
commences by asking the children what they see and feel, and
astounding 22,404 students and their teachers.
this conversation is continued with older children by explaining
Kerri Dickfos, Lisa Young and Greg Fletcher look after
an artist’s intention and encouraging them to look beyond their
education and visitor development, with Kerri concentrating on
first impression for clues that might hint at this intent. One of his
public programs, Lisa on educational programs and Greg working
favourite works to show younger children is Triptych Alice by Charles
across both areas.
Blackman where Alice appears to be falling through the rabbit hole.
AGWA provides visiting school groups with an opportunity
After they have guessed which famous story the picture is based on,
to participate in tours and workshops designed to encourage the
Greg explains to them that the artist’s wife was blind and that Mr
students to engage and connect with the State Art Collection.
Blackman used to read the story to her. He asks students if they
Many of these are specifically developed in direct regard to the
think the painting of Alice could be the artist’s wife.
designated WA curriculum, such as Indigenous and Historical
Lisa likes to expose students to a range of works from Robert
(Early Settlement) studies. Greg and Lisa strive to deliver classes
Juniper’s massive landscapes to Henry Moore’s Reclining Figure
and workshops in an interactive and energetic way to enhance the
1965. Her preference however is to talk with student groups about
students’ art education and encourage them to return to the Gallery
contemporary art and welcomed the opening last year of Your
with families and friends.
Collection 1890 to Present as an invaluable teaching resource at
Lisa Young has been a visual arts educator for over 20 years,
the Gallery.
…continued over
teaching art at primary, secondary and tertiary levels. As Head of Art at St Mary’s Anglican Girls School for 12 years Lisa regularly participated in examination and curriculum writing panels. For the upcoming MoMA exhibition she has developed a series of curriculum based educational resources for Kindergarten to Year 12, offering teachers lesson plans and activities. Greg Fletcher is constantly surprised and delighted by how the visiting children respond to the art at the Gallery. He observes www.artfriends.com.au
Above Students and teacher from Living Waters Lutheran College taking part in a Visual Analysis workshop with an AGWA Education Officer. Background: Sandra Hill, Home-maker #4 2010 oil on canvas. 91.0 x 76.0 cm State Art Collection, Art Gallery of Western Australia Purchased through the TomorrowFund, Art Gallery of Western Australia Foundation, 2011 © Sandra Hill, 2011
artifacts april 2012–july 2012
11
The education and public programs could not flourish at AGWA without the assistance of the Volunteer Gallery Guides who work closely with Greg, Lisa and Kerri to ensure that their tours for children and others are tailored to the particular educational objectives or group needs.
Karen Sabitay, Primary Visual Arts
‘teachers need to maintain and develop
resources. At exclusive previews in March
Specialist at Scotch College Junior
their discipline of visual art through
this year, the Gallery’s Director Dr Stefano
School, agrees:
professional development and regular contact
Carboni introduced the MoMA works to
‘Presented as a series of interconnected
with colleagues who share a commitment to
teachers. At the same time, Greg and Lisa
chronological displays: highlighting Indigenous,
teaching arts through inquiry. The Gallery
unveiled the Picasso to Warhol education
Western Australian, Australian and global
can support both educators and students in
resources designed for Early Childhood,
art and design from the 19th to 21st Century,
their quest for understanding, knowledge
Middle Childhood, Early Adolescence and
directly parallels the new National Curriculum
and inspiration.’
Late Adolescence.
which aims to encourage students to consider local, national and global perspectives’.
Katrinna Lievense teaches students in
The education and public programs
Years 8 to 12 at John Curtin College of the
could not flourish at AGWA without the
Arts, in the Gifted and Talented Visual
assistance of the Volunteer Gallery Guides
Collection makes it easier for students to grasp
Arts program. She says AGWA provides
who work closely with Greg, Lisa and
concepts of time and place and for educators
her students with the perfect environment
Kerri to ensure that their tours for children
to pursue their renewed focus upon history,
to extend and enrich their learning
and others are tailored to the particular
encouraging students to understand their own
experiences. The Gallery education officers
educational objectives or group needs.
history as well as their Asian neighbours and
support her by readily choosing works that
increased global awareness.’
compliment her learning programs. She has
tours for people who are blind, vision
‘The sequential presentation of the
She reflects that ‘learning through
AGWA runs ‘Touch and Descriptor’
observed first hand her students’ inspiration
impaired or deaf with guides specifically
the arts’ presents a new perspective for
growing as they respond to the Gallery
trained for these tours. There are also
educators, ‘what better way to learn about
educators’ intimate knowledge and analysis
Guides fluent in a second language
a country’s history or culture than to study
of the art on display. There is no substitute
including French, Italian, Spanish, German
its art.’
in her mind for the students’ experience of
and Dutch; and Japanese speaking guides
seeing artworks first hand.
offering a monthly appreciation styled
Karen believes that what teachers themselves understand shapes the resources
From time to time AGWA arranges
they choose, the learning experiences they
an introduction of major exhibitions for
develop and their effectiveness as educators,
teachers to launch its schools’ programs and
‘Japanese Art Club’.
ERNST & YOUNG PRESENTS
WASO plays colourful orchestral music whilst an empty canvas is transformed right before your very eyes.
ily Co n c r t e Fam
3pm, Sun 22 July Perth Concert Hall
Tickets $20* Warwick Potter, conductor Phil Doncon, artist (pictured)
Suitable for 6 to 13 year olds. *Transaction fees may apply.
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artifacts april 2012–july 2012
BOOK NOW WASO 9326 0000 BOCS 9484 1133
waso.com.au www.artfriends.com.au
Celebrating the Gallery Guides Rosemary Wallace, Co-ordinator of the Voluntary Guides with Louise Jones
M
ost of the Friends are familiar with
It goes without saying that a Guide’s art education is
the work of the Voluntary Gallery Guides at the Gallery
never complete, new exhibitions demand new research and
but few would be aware of the breadth of their endeavour
the Guides spend valuable time with the exhibition curators
and commitment. Managed and administered autonomously by
attending lectures and ‘walk-throughs’ to become familiar with
a committee and Constitution under the helm of President Debra
an artist and their work. They also work closely with the Gallery’s
Majteles, there are currently 76 active Guides, passionate about the
education officers who have tailored school tours for the Guides
Gallery and communicating their knowledge with the public.
to deliver.
This eclectic group of people has arrived at AGWA from all
The Guides are part of a wider army of volunteers that include
walks of life, motivated to become Guides for a variety of reasons
the voluntary Visitor Information Assistants and the voluntary
and generously sharing with each other their interest in art, their
Education Assistants. Together all these volunteers generously
experience and knowledge. The Guides are bound together by a
contribute thousands of hours of service to the Gallery, enabling
common mission and have formed dear and precious friendships
and enriching the overall ‘visitor experience’. The Guides enjoy
over the years.
their interaction with the public, observing the public’s reaction to
Debra Majteles’ love affair with art commenced in her late teens; ‘guiding allows me to share that passion and enthusiasm with a wider
the art on display and answering as many questions as they can. Dorothea Hansen is in her 35th year of guiding and can recall
public, not just family and friends’. Debra considers the opportunity
many grounding moments including one during an exacting tour
to guide visitors through some amazing exhibitions at the Gallery, as
of a very large group of visitors to the Sidney Nolan exhibition.
a ‘privilege’ and believes the volunteer Guides strive to improve and
At the end of the tour Dorothea asked her group if there were any
enhance people’s understanding of art. In December 2011 alone, 108
questions and a lady put up her hand and asked ‘Yes, could you tell
tours for 2039 visitors were conducted by the Volunteer Guides.
me where you get your hair cut’.
In 1976 Lou Klepac, then Deputy Director of the Gallery,
When asked why she became a Guide, Libby Ince, a
approached the Art Gallery Society, now the Friends, to ask for
newly graduated guide puts it simply ‘I love art, I love people,
assistance with researching the history of the Gallery. This original
I love teaching’.
research group of 10 was later asked to guide groups of school children through the 1977 Perth International Survey and Collectors
Application forms to become a Guide can be found
Pride exhibitions. Later that year the Voluntary Guiding Scheme
on the Gallery’s website.
was officially constituted with 22 members.
Members of the Voluntary Guides committee and Gallery staff
The Volunteer Guides, have amassed and continue to amass an
interview applicants. Regular attendance at training is required.
encyclopedic knowledge of art history and art appreciation amongst
Training for 20 new 2012 guides has just commenced. Refresher
them. They receive considerable training, attending education
courses are also on offer for current guides.
sessions once a fortnight for a year before they are officially ‘qualified’ to lead groups through the Gallery. Training includes an in-depth familiarisation with the State Collection, research and the development of visual awareness and image analysis. The Guides complete written assignments and are mentored whilst sharing tours with more experienced colleagues. www.artfriends.com.au
The Voluntary Guides are offering exclusive tours to Friends and their friends on June. See Friends Event Guide p4. Above L-R: Michelle Ranieri (Auslan interpreter), Rita Pasqualini (Gallery Guide), Jenny Pupich (WA Deaf Soc), Princely Treasures exhibition.
artifacts april 2012–july 2012
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Film Festival
Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters By Rosita Valladares
T
he Friends are delighted to bring you the Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters Film Festival, a special season of four films accompanied by APPRECIATING talks. Designed to enlighten the context of the works of art featured in the exhibition, Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters,
the eminently qualified guest speakers will introduce perspectives that further our appreciation of the artists’ work and make each evening not only educational but very enjoyable too. This Film Festival is the third program created by Friends to complement AGWA’s “Great Collections of the World” series of exhibitions. Kicking off with a Gala Opening on Monday 6 June in celebration of Picasso and closing with Warhol in November, the season is accentuated by Duchamp in August and Bourgeois in September. These four evenings promise to be a highlight of the Friends’ calendar this year (you know we’re going to say it – book early!). Picasso and Braque go to the Movies GALA OPENING, WEDNESDAY 6 JUNE, 6 – 9pm As a celebration of Picasso’s contribution to the art world, we invite you to a Spanish extravaganza of dance and music in the main concourse of the Gallery. Thrill to the machine gun footwork of flamenco dancers accompanied by Spanish guitarist, from the acclaimed Danza Viva Spanish Dance Company, of recent Octagon Theatre success. Dr Stefano Carboni, Director of the Gallery, will officially open the Festival and for the APPRECIATING talk he will discuss the work of Picasso to introduce the first of the festival films, Picasso and Braque go to the Movies. Born at the same time as cinema itself and both avid cinephiles, Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque were pioneering figures in the world of modern art. Their creation of the Cubist movement changed the face of modern art forever. This film examines the possible aesthetic links between the advent of the cinema and Cubism. Narrated by Martin Scorsese and featuring insights from various artists, it’s a fascinating window into the genesis of an artistic revolution.
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Marcel Duchamp: A Definitive Biography MONDAY 27 AUGUST, 6 – 8.15pm Born in 1887 in France, Marcel Duchamp – painter, sculptor, and author – was associated with Cubism, Dadaism, and Surrealism, though he avoided strict alliances. Duchamp’s early works were PostImpressionist in style, though he eventually turned toward the avant-garde. His most famous work, Nude Descending a Staircase No. 2, caused a furore at New York City’s famous Armory Show in 1913. Duchamp’s work is characterised by humour, a wide variety of media, and its incessant probing of the boundaries of art. His legacy includes the insight that art can be about ideas instead of objects, a revolutionary notion that would resonate with later generations of artists. As a sculptor, he pioneered a main artistic innovation of the 20th century: ready-made art. “Ready-Mades” were banal objects of everyday use, which he signed with his name and gave titles totally unconnected with their functional use. They demonstrated his profound contempt for the middle class conception of art. APPRECIATING guest speaker: Robert Cook, the Gallery’s Curator of Modern and Contemporary Photography and Design, will talk on the works of Marcel Duchamp. www.artfriends.com.au
…a fascinating window into the genesis of an artistic revolution. Louise Bourgeois: The Spider, The Mistress and The Tangerine
Andy Warhol: Ten Lizes
MONDAY 24 SEPTEMBER, 6 – 9.30pm
MONDAY 12 NOVEMBER, 6 – 9pm
chronicles the life and imagination of Paris-born artist Louise
Ten identical faces printed in black, over
Bourgeois. Her creative process is on full display in this
two rows, on canvas 5.65 metres long and 2
documentary, which features the artist in her studio and with her
metres high. But are the faces really identical?
installations, shedding light on her intentions and inspirations.
With subtle revelations, the observer gradually
Throughout the documentary, Bourgeois reveals her life and
notices a myriad of small differences, minor variations
work to be imbued with her ongoing obsession with the mysteries
and inconsistencies.
of childhood.
Andy Warhol created this image from a photo of
Bourgeois has for six decades been an important and influential
actress Elizabeth Taylor and repeated it ten times using
figure in the world of modern art. In 1982, at the age of 71, she
silkscreen printing techniques. Why did he choose her image
became the first woman to be honoured with a major retrospective
as his subject and repetition as his theme? Working in New York
at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. She is perhaps best known
at the epicentre of the Pop Art movement, Ten Lizes breaks from
for her series of massive spider structures that have been installed
the traditional art of portraiture, but demands as much decoding as
around the world. Filmed with unprecedented access to the
pictures from earlier ages.
artist between 1993 and 2007, Louise Bourgeois: The Spider, the
APPRECIATING Guest Speaker: Alan Dodge AM, Chevalier
Mistress and the Tangerine is a comprehensive examination of the
de L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, Art Adviser, will speak about the
creative process.
works by Andy Warhol in the Exhibition.
APPRECIATING guest speaker: Dr Ann Schilo, Senior Lecturer, School of Design & Art, Faculty of Humanities, Curtin University, will talk on the works of Louise Bourgeois.
VENUE & BOOKING DETAILS All Film Festival events take place at the Art Gallery of Western Australia, either on the Concourse or in the Theatrette. Ticket prices vary for each. For details see Friends Event Guide (p4, 7, 9, 10). Bookings can be made online at www.artfriends.com.au or call (08) 9492 6750.
Opposite Nicola de Rosa with flamenco guitarist Jose Giraldo of Danza Viva Spanish Dance Company will perform at the Gala Opening.
A Love Denied & A Love Betrayed
Lucia di Lammermoor
Madam Butterfly
23 October – 3 November at 7.30pm | His majesty’s Theatre
AD ImPACT WAO 14748
14 – 21 July at 7.30pm | His majesty’s Theatre
2 OPERAS fROm $62 | BOOK AT BOCS 9484 1144 | www.waopera.asn.au Principal Partner
14748 WAO Artifacts 99x175mm.indd 1
www.artfriends.com.au
6/3/12 5:35:46 PM
artifacts april 2012–july 2012
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What’s on at the Gallery For more information about the Gallery’s exhibitions and events visit: www.artgallery.wa.gov.au Jeff Wall Opening Party Friday 25 May 2012 from 6.30pm Come celebrate the opening of JEFF WALL Photographs. Sign up for AGWA’s electronic newsletter, eView, to receive your special invite. Join here: artgallery.wa.gov.au/subscribe Jeff Wall – Artist’s talk Sunday 27 May 2012 at 2pm Free Join artist Jeff Wall and AGWA Chief Curator | Deputy Director Gary Dufour in an artist’s talk and a question and answer Your Collection 1800 – today
with major works by Rover Thomas, Ken
session, and discover the mind behind
Our most important asset is the State Art
Unsworth, Sally Gabori and Max Pam.
these amazing photographs. This is an
Collection. Your Collection is the leading
extraordinary opportunity to learn
public, art collection in the State, with
JEFF WALL Photographs
more about one of the most influential
many areas of acknowledged excellence,
26 May – 10 September 2012
photographers of our time.
including Western Australian art, Modern
Jeff Wall is recognised throughout the
British art and Indigenous art. The many
world as one of the most innovative and
highlights of the inspiring art in the Your
influential artists working today. Jeff
Collection displays are presented across
Wall Photographs, this first Australian
all ground floor galleries in both the
survey of his work brings together 26
Centenary Galleries and the main Gallery
photographs to present an overview of his
exhibition organised by the Art Gallery
Building. The displays are chronologically
outstanding achievements and features major
of Western Australia in association with the
arranged from the 1800s to today.
works from over three decades of artistic and
National Gallery of Victoria.
Art, craft and design, and Indigenous
[See Friends Event Guide, p4, for details of a special tour of JEFF WALL Photographs, with Gary Dufour.] JEFF WALL Photographs is an
photographic innovation. Large-scale and
and non-Indigenous works are displayed
luminous, his photographs have rewritten
Picasso to Warhol:
together in Your Collection and are
nearly every convention of photography.
Fourteen Modern Masters
presented in four parts; 1800-1920 Here and
Wall’s outstanding body of work has played
Opens Saturday 16 June 2012
There located in the Centenary Galleries
a decisive role in establishing photography as
Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters is
includes works by Hans Heysen, Frederick
the major contemporary art form it is today.
the first exhibition in a series of six incredible
McCubbin and Auguste Rodin; 19201960 Many Modernisms includes works by Stanley Spencer, Sidney Nolan and Kathleen O’Connor; 1960-1980 Anything Goes features work by Jenny Watson, Barbara Hepworth, Kaapa Tjampitjinpa and Alec Mingelmanganu; 1980-today Expanding Fields brings us up to date Above Rover Thomas, Mirriya (Mureeya) Texas Downs Country 1989. ochre on canvas. 90 x 180 cm (sight) 92.7 x 182.7 cm (framed). State Art Collection, Art Gallery of Western Australia. Purchased with funds from the Art Gallery of Western Australia Foundation, 2002. © Rover Thomas 1989
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artifacts april 2012–july 2012
www.artfriends.com.au
shows from The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.
Winner of the Tom Malone Prize 2012
It features a rich selection of works by the world’s most important
This year the Art Gallery of Western Australia celebrated 10 years of
and inspiring modern artists: Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Piet
the Tom Malone Prize. Established in 2003, the Tom Malone Prize
Mondrian, Constantin Brancusi, Fernand Leger, Marcel Duchamp,
is an acquisitive prize for Australian glass artists and has been the
Giorgio de Chirico, Joan Miro, Alexander Calder, Jackson Pollock,
conduit for a range of inspiring purchases in this exciting medium.
Louise Bourgeois, Romare Bearden, Jasper Johns and Andy Warhol. Together, this group transformed the art and culture of the
This Year the Tom Malone Prize was exhibited alongside Translucence: contemporary glass. The combined exhibitions featured
20th century. In order to convey their outstanding achievements,
work by the 2012 winner Brian Corr for Ensō, the 2012 shortlisted
each artist is represented with a group of key works, many of
makers, all past winners and a selection of glass works from the
which are on show for the first time in Australia, and rarely seen
State Art Collection. Works were selected to bring to view objects
outside MoMA. This is a powerful and exciting show of the most
which have been recently purchased, and those works that precede
breathtaking and significant treasures of modern art.
and parallel the works of the Tom Malone Prize acquisitions.
Picasso to Warhol Opening Party
Judges’ comments on the winner of the Tom Malone
Friday 15 June 2012
Prize 2012
Come celebrate the opening of Picasso to Warhol from The Museum
Elizabeth Malone, Stefano Carboni, Klaus Moje and Robert Cook
of Modern Art. This late night, New York-style party will be
“We were truly impressed by Corr’s achievement in balancing
brimming with food, drink and live entertainment.
intuition and technique to convey form, and form within space.
Admission fees apply. For ticketing information,
His activation of glass as a medium of light sees him employing its
exhibition details, program of events and all the latest news,
natural qualities in a subtly dramatic way. The captivating interplay
visit: artgallery.wa.gov.au
of void and shadow is the perfect showcase for his masterful
Sign up for the Gallery’s electronic newsletter, eView, to be the
combination of craft and poetry.”
first in the know! Join here: artgallery.wa.gov.au/subscribe Left Rebecca Baumann Automated Colour Field 2011 100 flip clocks, laser-cut paper, duration 24 hours 130 x 360 x 9 cm State Art Collection, Art Gallery of Western Australia Purchased through the TomorrowFund, Art Gallery of Western Australia Foundation, 2011
www.artfriends.com.au
Top left Andy Warhol (American, 1928-1987) Brillo Boxes (Soap Pads), 1964. synthetic polymer paint and silkscreen ink on wood, Each box: 17 1/8 x 17 x 14” (43.3 x 43.2 x 36.5 cm). The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Gift of Doris and Donald Fisher. © 2012 Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.
Top right Brian Corr Ensō 2011 waterjet cut, cold worked and constructed flat and kiln-formed glass 80 x 80 x 16.5 cm Photograph courtesy of Rob Little
artifacts april 2012–july 2012
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The judges commented that the 2012 winning work of the $20 000 prize is a work of ‘great sensitivity created with an honesty and passion rarely seen and even harder to master.’
A
rt prizes are bubbling up all over the state. Artists like them or loathe them, local governments lap up the prestige and the community loves the opening
of a gold envelope! An art prize with ambition, the Regional Art Gallery in Geraldton established the Mid West Art Prize last year with
CALL FOR ENTRIES
You are invited to be a part of this unique and nationally respected art award… The Cossack Art Award provides an unmissable opportunity for established and emerging artists to showcase their work in a nationally recognised public forum. With ten categories and total prize pool of over $100,000, this is the richest regional art award in Australia, attracting high calibre entrants to the Pilbara region every year since 1992. Download the entry form and conditions of entry from the Shire of Roebourne website www.roebourne.wa.gov.au
the view of developing a significant cultural event not only for Geraldton but also for Western Australia (WA). With $45 000 in non-acquisitive awards currently, the Mid West Art Prize can be compared very favourably to other high profile art prizes and awards conducted throughout Australia. James Davies, Gallery Director, hopes that in a few years the Art Prize can go national ‘with enough prize money to rival those awards that, mostly, originate in metro areas.’ It’s undoubtedly a strategy to attract interest in the Gallery and artists of the region, which other exemplary art prizes and biennials have succeeded in achieving. James’ aspiration is that the Mid West Art Prize should challenge ‘those who would suggest that WA is a cultural desert.’ Prizes are a great way for a public institution to build or add to their art collection, for posterity. By attracting newly created works by emerging and established artists from all over the State, James explains ‘the Art Prize affords the Gallery the opportunity to select high quality works for purchase for the City of Greater Geraldton Art Collection.’
CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES 9am, Monday 18 June OR when maximum capacity of entries is reached. For more info visit www.roebourne.wa.gov.au.
ExhIbITION 22 July – 5 August 2012
Enquiries can be directed to the Shire of Roebourne E. cossack.art@roebourne.wa.gov.au M. 0417 805 128 | T. (08) 9186 8555
Principal Partner
A project of the Shire of Roebourne Above Elisa Markes-Young The Strange Quiet of Things Misplaced #24, 2010 acrylic, wool, cotton and silk on Belgian linen, approx. 110 x 110 cm. Photo: Christopher Young
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Mid West Art Prize 2012 The first Art Prize and exhibition was exceptionally successful
Information
and set a high standard for the forthcoming year. 2011 winner
The Mid West Art Prize exhibition is showing at the
of the non-acquisitive City of Greater Geraldton Overall Award
Greater Geraldton Regional Art Gallery until 27 May.
for Excellence, Elisa Markes-Young, a Perth artist originally
The Geraldton Regional Art Gallery is jointly funded and
from Poland, says that participation in the Prize ‘was one of the
operated by the City of Greater Geraldton and the Art Gallery of
most positive and affirming experiences I’ve ever had as an artist.
Western Australia. The Gallery houses and cares for the City of
The friendly and helpful gallery director and staff, and the beautiful
Greater Geraldton Art Collection, comprised of over 404 artworks,
exhibition space, made for a truly memorable show. Winning the main
principally paintings and works on paper. A major redevelopment
prize still fills me with amazement, especially given the high calibre
is currently in planning stage.
of the selected artists.’ The 2012 winner of the $20 000 prize, octogenarian Biddy
2012 WINNERS
Timbinah, has lived in Halls Creek since 1973, and is one of the
$20,000 City of Greater Geraldton Overall Award for Excellence
Yarliyil Artists. Biddy’s paintings depict her father’s country. He
Biddy Timbinah, My Father’s Country Ngaanyatjarra
was a Pitjantjatjara man from House Bluff near Ayers Rock in the
$5,000 Minerals & Metals Group Highly Commended Award
desert. Biddy demonstrates an innate use of colour and texture
Olga Cironis, Take it All
to recreate the rhythms found in the geography of the land of
$5,000 Eastman Poletti Sherwood Architects Mid West Award
her father, as seen from the bird’s eye perspective. The judges
Gabrielle Woodhams, Red Tutu for Lucy
commented that her winning painting, My Father’s Country
$5,000 Geraldton Regional Art Gallery Highly Commended
Ngaanyatjarra, is a work of ‘great sensitivity created with an honesty
Mid West Award
and passion rarely seen and even harder to master’.
Marianne Penberthy, The Remnant Diaries Re. Collections $5,000 Mid West Aboriginal Award Margaret Danischewsky, Beach to Bush Collection $3,500 96.5WAFM Youth Award Alicia Hart, The Monitors Garden
Mid West Art Prize 2012 Exhibition dates 4 March to 27 May 2012
Geraldton Regional Art Gallery
Opening hours
24 Chapman Road Geraldton WA 6530
Tuesday – Saturday, T: (08) 9964 7170 10am–4pm E: grag@artgallery.wa.gov.au Sundays and Public Holidays, 1pm–4pm. Closed Mondays www.artgallery.cgg.wa.gov.au
Winner of the $20,000 City of Greater Geraldton Overall Award for Excellence Biddy Timbinah, My Father’s Country – Ngaanyatjarra, 2012. Acrylic on Canvas.
Grant Woodhams MLA
midwest2012-v4.indd 1
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8/03/12 12:24 PM
artifacts april 2012–july 2012
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Friendship Being a member of the Friends offers numerous memorable experiences, as well as engagement with your State Gallery and the local art scene.
1 2 3
Milani and Roberta Giorgio with Stefano Carboni Photo: Maxine Murray Kathrin Peters, Artsource Studio artist Photo: Maxine Murray L-R: Visitor Development Manager Peter Lowe, Pam Barras and Friend Beryl Mathews, with Volunteer Gallery Guide Ian Frith and Friends EO Gwen Gaff; with seeing-eye dog ‘Whisper’, Princely Treasures exhibition.
New Friend Michael Wass, Retail Design Manager by working week and artist by weekend, attended the Artsource Studios afternoon. He told us about it: “I really enjoyed the event after a little
The circus school in the midst of the
initial trepidation, particularly as it was my
studios is pretty cool too, it added to
first Friends event and I wasn’t entirely sure
the theatre!
what to expect. As time revealed, it was a good
An hour and a bit of walking the studios was followed by another walk
function – once I noticed that one of the
for a rather spectacular coffee and cake
presenters had “The Mighty Boosh” as
down near the water, with lively debate
her screen-saver I knew it was going to
about the number of paintings that one
be OK! After an explanation of what was
has to complete to become an artist, and
on offer at Artsource, the real fun started
the big question as to whether you can
as we delved into the minds and spaces
work full time and still be an artist on
of the artists respectively, and en masse
the weekends! I don’t think the argument
sometimes. Not all of the studios were
was resolved but it was a fun end to a
for everyone, but I found myself involved
great event.”
in a number of lengthy discussions, with each having since influenced my painting.
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Joy Flower Ed James, Helen Janbury 6 Penny Bovell 7 Robert Juniper 8 Nigel Hewitt 9 Bea McCarthy, Sally Wilson, Susan Marshall 10 Ella Allen, Audrey Welch 11 Susan Flavell, Gabrielle Howlett 12 Diane McKay, Noela Dallinger, Tina Schwarz Photos: Maxine Murray
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Books, Websites & Trivia for this century. An image driven and artist focused project with a challenging anti-curatorial manifesto, it creates a forum for photography to reinvent itself. Hijacked III: Australia/United Kingdom. Edited by Louise Clements, Mark McPherson and Leigh Robb. Designed by Andy Simionato. Available from Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA). RRP AU$85.00
Mark Howlett Foundation 1991–2011 The Mark Howlett Foundation’s 20th year project is a significant milestone in Western Australia’s artistic history. This book documents the preceding projects and history of the Mark Howlett Foundation (MHF), alongside the anniversary project MHF20, and is an important legacy for the MHF and
family, the unique artist support model
Hijacked III: Australia/United Kingdom
a fitting tribute to the people who have made
that her husband Mark instigated before his
A fleeting glimpse into the life and times of
all this possible. [Kieran Wong]
untimely death. This beautifully restrained
both countries and beyond, Hijacked III disrupts the way you think about photography. This 3rd edition in the ‘Hijacked’ series of photography compendiums includes
Friends were privileged to meet several artists in January at the MHF closing party, including Penny Bovell (pictured p20) who continued, with friends and
a breathtaking 270 images and essays by
volume is a collector’s item. Mark Howlett Foundation 1991–2011. Text by Andrew Gaynor; essay by Victoria Laurie. Designed by Isabel Krüger with Bo Wong Photography. Limited edition available from FOUND, Fremantle Art Centre. RRP $70.
leading critics, writers and academics.
Guy Grey-Smith: Life Force
Locally published by Big City Press (WA),
Passionate, tireless, generous, divisive and
it explores the fantastic and foreboding
extremely vivid to all who knew him, Guy
worlds of 35 artists from opposite sides of
Grey-Smith (1916-1981) remains one of the
the globe. From oblique portraiture and
most important Australian artists of his
collage to snapshots of society at its best
generation. Based in Western Australia,
and worst, the photographs reveal what it
Guy exhibited in every other state and
means to look, capture or construct images
in key international exhibitions; received Above Luke Stephenson, Red Canary #1, 2007. Courtesy of the artist.
Queens Honours Awards and sat on the Australia Council. Yet, in spite of a
Trivia Picasso had a mouthful of a name:
1952 was based on the writings of Truman
stole the Mona Lisa. The truth is it was
Capote. Capote disliked Warhol and
Nepomuceno Maria de los Remedios
stolen from the Louvre in 1911 and Picasso’s
famously said ‘this is a guy that I can’t see
Cipriano de la Santisima Trinidad Martyr
friend the poet Guillaume Apollinaire was
anybody liking’.
Patricio Clito Ruiz y Picasso’. Baptised after
arrested. Apollinaire pointed the finger at
a number of saints and relatives, ‘Picasso’
Picasso and he was taken in for questioning.
entitled ‘Sleep’, was essentially a film of his
came from his mother.
Both of them were later released.
friend asleep and lasted for six hours. It is
It is said that Picasso had his first
22
There’s an urban myth that Picasso
‘Pablo Diego Jose Francisco de Paula Juan
Andy Warhol moved from his
exhibition at age 13 in the back of an
Pittsburgh hometown to New York in
umbrella store.
1949. His first exhibition of drawings in
artifacts april 2012–july 2012
Warhol made lots of movies. His first,
said that nine people attended the premiere and two walked out after an hour!
www.artfriends.com.au
Websites I recommend Guy Grey-Smith remains one of the most important Australian artists of his generation.
Leigh Robb is the Curator at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art (PICA). With a CV that most art history students would covet, her accomplishments make her a valuable asset to the Australian visual arts community, not only as a curator but also as a writer and mentor for emerging
www.agmamagazine.com
curators and artists. Drawing on her time
Image led online magazine set up by
at the Courtauld in London, the Peggy
Francesco Stocchi and Aaron Moulton.
Guggenheim in Venice, Thomas Dane
Antidote for missing far-flung and historic
significant 35-year career, Guy Grey-Smith:
Gallery in Piccadilly and residencies last year
exhibitions from all over the world – full
Life Force is the first book written about
in Japan, Leigh has intrigued and entertained
installation views of shows and floorplans.
him. Granted access to the artist’s papers
local audiences with her exhibitions at PICA. www.the-exhibitionist-journal.com
and estate, independent curator Andrew
When asked which three websites she
Gaynor draws a fascinating portrait of a
would most recommend to web-addicted
Not as risqué as it sounds –
country boy whose life was first liberated,
visual arts buffs, such as the Friends,
The Exhibitionist proclaims to be a
then stalled by the brutality of war.
Leigh had no hesitation recommending
magazine for curators by curators, but is
Teaching himself to draw whilst in POW
her top five!
really for anyone interested in the making
camps, he went on to create some of the
and aesthetics of exhibitions – or maybe for
most enduring and powerful images of the
www.art-it.asia/top
Australian landscape, redolent with colour,
English language art news site run out
texture and an unmistakable life force.
of Tokyo – best for its seriously in-depth
Also take a look at:
Published by UWA. Available from 10 August 2012. RRP AU$69.95. Special limited collector’s edition to be priced.
profiles of artists exhibiting in Japan
www.bidoun.org
through multi-part interviews, video tours,
www.e-flux.com/journals
naturists who like going to galleries.
critical reviews.
Verbitsky’s 25th Anniversary Gala WASO’s much-loved Conductor Laureate Vladimir Verbitsky celebrates 25 amazing years with the Orchestra. A concert of Russian masterpieces from Borodin, Liadov, Mussorgsky, Tchaikovsky and more!
*Transaction fees may apply.
www.artfriends.com.au
7.30pm, Sat 23 June 3pm, Sun 24 June Perth Concert Hall
Vladimir Verbitsky, conductor (pictured) Daniel Sumegi, bass-baritone
BOOK NOW WASO 9326 0000 Groups 8 + 9326 0075 BOCS 9484 1133
waso.com.au artifacts april 2012–july 2012
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WA, Australia & the World
A selection of exhibitions, biennales, art fairs & events FREMANTLE ARTS CENTRE 1 Finnerty St, Fremantle WA 6160 W: fac.org.au T: 08 9432 9555 Open 10am – 5pm, 7 days FotoFreo (various exhibitions) 17 March – 13 May Shaun Tan Suburban Odyssey 19 May – 15 July The irregular correct New Art from Glasgow, group show 21 July –16 September
Western Australia Albany Town Hall 217 York Street, Albany WA 6330 T: 08 9841 9260 City of Albany Art Prize 1 April – 22 April W: albanyartprize.com.au Bunbury Regional Art Galleries 64 Wittenoom Street, Bunbury WA 6230 W: brag.org.au T: 08 9721 8226 Open: 10am – 4pm, 7 days South Western Times Survey 2012 Until 8 April Austr alia Wide Two quiltmaking 13 April – 20 May Jeff Mincham Ceramics 27 April to 10 June 2012 Noongar Country contemporary art 22 June – 18 August BURATTI FINE ART 222 Queen Victoria Street, North Fremantle WA 6159 W: buratti.com.au T: 08 9433 6369 Open: Wed – Sat 10am – 6pm WENDY SHARPE Artist & Model 16 March – 18 April DAEVID ANDERSON 20 April – 20 May ALEX PROYAS Fear Not Death’s Shadow 25 May – 20 June Above Shaun Tan, Endgame 1998, oil and plaster on plywood, 120 x 120cm. Right Clare McFarlane, A Murder’s Chorus IV 2011, acrylic & spray paint on canvas, 70 x 70cm. Photo: Acorn Photography. Top right Stormie Mills, The Start of Everything Has A New Feel To It 2011, acrylic, dirt, spray paint & graffiti remover on canvas, 101 x 101 cm. Opposite top Anneke De Rooij, Avian Portraits 2012, Porcelain
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artifacts april 2012–july 2012
GREENHILL GALLERIES 6 Gugeri Street, Claremont WA 6010 W: greenhillgalleries.com T: 08 9383 4433 Open: Tue – Fri 10am – 5pm, Sat 10am – 4pm Waldemar Kolbusz new works 18 May – 2 June Madeleine CLEAR new works 14 – 30 June Stormie MILLS new works 13 – 28 July
GALERIE DÜSSELDORF 9 Glyde Street, Mosman Park WA 6012 W: galeriedusseldorf.com.au Open: Wed – Fri 11am – 5pm, Sun 2 – 5pm BRENDAN VAN HEK As if from a distance I could already see myself 16 October – 13 November 2011 MARK PARFITT: Anyday Now 27 November – 23 December 2011 GALLERY EAST 94 Stirling Highway, North Fremantle WA 6159 W: galleryeast.com.au T: 08 9336 6231 Open: Tue – Sat 11am – 5pm, Sun 2 – 5pm Christopher Crouch paintings Tony Davis sculptures 4 – 29 April Alan MULLER paintings 4 – 27 May Shirley CLANCY paintings 1 – 24 June Paul Moncrieff 29 June – 22 July GERALDTON REGIONAL ART GALLERY 24 Chapman Road, Geraldton WA 6530 W: artgallery.cgg.wa.gov.au T: 08 9964 7170 Open: Tue – Sat 10am–4pm, Sun & public hols 1pm–4pm. Closed Mon. MID WEST ART PRIZE Until 27 May
GUNYULGUP GALLERY Gunyulgup Valley Drive, Yallingup WA 6282 W: gunyulgupgalleries.com.au T: 08 9755 2177 Open 10am – 5pm, 7 days Sharon DAWES new paintings 7 – 22 April Sue Codee, Christine Gregory, Patricia Hines & Monique Tippett 8 – 22 July HEATHCOTE MUSEUM & GALLERY 58-60 Duncraig Road, Applecross W: melvillecity.com.au/facilities/museums/ heathcote T: 08 9364 5666 Open: Tue – Fri 10am – 3pm; Sat – Sun 12 – 4pm; Closed Mon & public hols Kathryn Haug, Chloe Tupper & Fiona Leuenberger Remnant 14 April – 20 May Denise Brown Tilting at Windmills 7 July – 12 August JOHN CURTIN GALLERY Curtin University, Building 200, Kent Street, Bentley W: johncurtingallery.curtin.edu.au T: 08 9266 4155 Open: Mon – Fri 11am – 5pm, Sun 1 – 4pm FutureGen 2012 20 March – 11 May The World Is Everything That is The Case 1 June – 3 August Dennis Del Favero Magnesium Light 1 June – 3 August
www.artfriends.com.au
OK GALLERY 5/1 Forbes Road, Northbridge WA 6003 W: oktachoron.com T: 08 6142 1215 Open: Tue – Fri 11am – 6pm, Sat/Sun 12 – 5pm, Closed Mon. Patrick Miller Tribute Night 28 March – 29 April Anneke De Rooij, Lucas Grogan, Jessie Mitchell Ecologies 09 May – 10 June PERTH CENTRE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY 100 Aberdeen Street, Northbridge WA 6003 W: pcp.org.au T: 08 6460 9892 Open: Thu/Fri 12 – 5pm, Sat/Sun 12 – 4pm Robbie Cooper Alter Ego 15 March – 20 May Phillip Toledano A New Kind of Beauty 15 March – 20 May PERTH GALLERIES 92 Stirling Highway, North Fremantle WA 6159 W: perthgalleries.com.au T: 08 9433 4414 Open Tue – Fri 10am – 5pm, Sat 11am – 5pm, Sun 2 – 5pm Lilian Hankel, Eveline Kotai, Jeff Mincham, Penny Coss 11 – 29 April
Perth Galleries cont. Nicole Slatter 4 – 27 May Giles Hohnen, Trevor Vickers, RJ Dorizzi 1 – 24 June Angela Stewart 29 June – 22 July Simon Cowling 26 July – 19 August TURNER GALLERIES 470 William St, Northbridge WA 6003 W: turnergalleries.com.au T: 08 9227 1077 Open: Tue – Sat 11am – 5pm Clare McFarlane A murder’s chorus and other winged verse 13 April – 12 May Trevor Richards 18 May – 16 June Debr a Dawes 22 June – 21 July VENN GALLERY 16 Queen Street, Perth WA 6000 W: venn.net T: 08 9321 8366 Open: Tue – Sat 10am – 5pm, Fri 10am – 7pm PETRINA HICKS 23 March – 28 April PATRICK DOHERTY Invasion 4 May – 8 June KATE McMILLAN 15 June – 20 July
Interstate Parallel Collisions: 12th Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art 2 March – 29 April 2012 This is the only major biennial dedicated solely to presenting contemporary Australian art and is part of the Adelaide Festival. ‘Parallel Collisions explores the ways in which ideas form, converge and re-form through time. The 21 artists in the exhibition employ the resources of the past – imagery, materials, processes or research from literature, cinema and art history – to reimagine the past in the present or even visualise the future.’ [artgallery.sa.gov.au] MODERN WOMAN: DAUGHTERS AND LOVERS 1850–1918 DRAWINGS FROM THE MUSÉE D’ORSAY, PARIS 24 March – 24 June 2012, Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane Celebrating the changing roles of women during the Belle Époque as depicted by renowned French artists of the late 19th and early 20th century. A number of hotels offer great value packages during this exhibition. [qag.qld.gov.au]
Untitled-1 1
www.artfriends.com.au
( d e t a i l ) WENDY SHARPE TWO WOMEN WITH TRIDENT OIL ON CANVAS 184 X 145CM
2 2 2 q u e e n v i c t o r i a s t r e e t, n o r t h f r e m a n t l e w a 6 1 5 9 p h . 0 8 9 4 3 3 6 3 6 9 m a i l @ b u r a t t i . c o m . a u
W W W. B U R AT T I . CO M . AU
6/03/12 2:14 PM
artifacts april 2012–july 2012
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Interstate
International
Fred Williams: Infinite Horizons 7 April 2012 – 22 July 2012 The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Federation Square, Melbourne Fred Williams pioneered a new vision of the Australian landscape, and became one of the most important Australian artists of the 20th century. He sought inspiration from unique landscapes, such as the Pilbara region of Western Australia and Tasmania’s Bass Strait. Although often associated with dry landscapes, this exhibition also presents his fascination with water, as well as portraits of family and friends. A National Gallery of Australia Exhibition. [ngv.vic.gov.au]
Song Dong: Waste Not 15 February – 12 June 2012, Barbican Centre, London Chinese artist Song Dong’s extraordinary installation – comprised of over 10,000 household objects collected over five decades – is a poignant meditation on family life and the artist’s childhood during the Cultural Revolution. [barbican.org.uk]
18th Biennale of Sydney 27 June – 16 September 2012 Showcasing more than 100 established and emerging artists from 45 countries, the themed festival ‘all our relations’ will feature sitespecific commissions and new collaborative work at major venues across Sydney including the Art Gallery of NSW, the newly redeveloped Museum of Contemporary Art, and former shipyard and prison, Cockatoo Island. [biennaleofsydney.com.au] MELBOURNE ART FAIR 2012 1 – 5 August 2012 Exhibiting over 80 selected national and international galleries at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens. Visitors can access exclusive accommodation rates at selected Accor hotels. Vernissage: Wed 7pm – 10.30pm/Public Days: Thu 11am – 7pm; Fri 11am – 8pm; Sat 11am – 7pm; Sun 11am – 5pm [melbourneartfair.com]
1 JUNE – 31 AUGUST 2012
7TH ASIA PACIFIC TRIENNIAL OF CONTEMPORARY ART (APT7) 8 December 2012 – 7 April 2013 Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane APT is the only major exhibition series to focus exclusively on the contemporary art of Asia, the Pacific and Australia. [asiapacifictriennial.com]
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artifacts april 2012–july 2012
11th Havana Biennial 11 May – 11 June 2012, Cuba This biennial has become the most important meeting place for artists from “non-Western” countries, with a particular focus on artists from Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia. [bienalhabana.cult.cu] HONG KONG ART FAIR 17 – 20 May 2012 Hong Kong has become the third largest auction art market in the world after New York and London. This is a chance to see major international art galleries, without the NYC jetlag. [hongkongartfair.com] Manifesta 9 2 June – 30 September 2012, Genk, Limburg, Belgium This roving and innovative biennial of contemporary art changes it location in Europe every two years – this year it’s in Limburg. Manifesta purposely strives to stay away from the ‘dominant centres of artistic production, instead seeking fresh and fertile terrain for the mapping of a new cultural topography’. [manifesta9.org] dOCUMENTA (13) 9 June – 16 September 2012, Kassel, Germany Only taking place every five years, dOCUMENTA runs for 100 days in multiple venues across the city, demonstrating how contemporary art can contribute to our understanding of the world. [d13.documenta.de] Art 43 Basel 14 – 17 June 2012 Allegedly the world’s premier international art show for Modern and contemporary art, featuring leading galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa. It is huge, with plenty of satellite fairs and exhibitions. This year you can skip from Basel to Manifesta and Documenta in one European trip. [artbasel.com]
WINTER ARTS SEASON Immerse yourself in the City this winter with the artistic offerings from Western Australia’s leading arts organisations Visit showmeperth.com.au for program details
www.artfriends.com.au
Jorge Macchi, Blue Planet, 2003 (detail), collage on paper, 30 x 30 cm. Photograph: Mark Ritchie, courtesy Centro Gallego de Arte Contemporรกneo, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
all our relations
Artistic Directors: Catherine de Zegher and Gerald McMaster
Major Venues: Art Gallery of New South Wales Museum of Contemporary Art Australia Pier 2/3 Cockatoo Island MAJOR GOVERNMENT PARTNERS
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FOUNDING PARTNER SINCE 1973