Exhibition Review: The National at the AGNSW 2017
To link to a review of The National at the Art Gallery of NSW – click here.
To link to a review of The National at the Art Gallery of NSW – click here.
I cannot be! That it is 50 years since at around 11pm when I was suppose to be asleep in bed, that I heard this music coming from the lounge room.
Oh how we wish for more voices to be critical of the current political class and their hangers-on – and I include many journalists as being hangers-on.
It had to happen. According to recent reports – roast potatoes were in the frame for causing cancer. Science says…
This post will probably upset a few dog owners. Unfortunately, that is also part of the story – being that whenever you raise the problems you have with dogs, many dog owners (not all) go into denial.
Braddon is cool – well not quite yet
Braddon should be cool. I said something similar two years ago.
George Bell (1920 – 2008) was member of Group M – in Melbourne.
This is an exhibition at photoaccess (Canberra) curated by Ashley Lumb and Laura McLean.
The local press has done its usual things and come on board with the government and the developers to spruik the imminent construction of buildings in the centre of Canberra.
A selection of photographs taken from one of Frank Hurley’s books…
one of the pleasures of life – relaxing and watching the birds..
Time for some fun – and a new song from Randy Newman…
My knowledge of Australian history is patchy – I know the basics and much more. History interest me but usually most history books are far too dry. Then along comes this book with that title: GIRT.
Once upon a time thought The Rolling Stones were one of the great rock’n’roll bands – who also occasionally sang the blues. In between those early years and now there was not a lot of great music from the Stones – loads of concerts and a mix of music – some good and some ok. Would they ever make great music again?
Still Lucky, Rebecca Huntley, 2017. This is a good book. The message is clear – Australians are far more optimistic than we have been led to believe by our governments and the media. This researcher has done the research, travelled the country, talked to loads of people over many years. If you are interested in her reports on her research and comments – this book will give you all that and more.
Here’s a good read. Being a selection of essays and diary notes based on many events and sometimes those quite happenings that one observes.
I have not read any Helen Garner’s work but have a reasonable awareness of the topics she writes on. Other reviewers have related this work to previous writings – for me I had to take it all on face value.
It’s Chinese New Year again (28th January). This time around it is the year of the rooster.
Continue reading Year of the Rooster – Time to revamp Dickson Chinatown
2017 in Canberra began with announcements that so many new buildings are about to change the city’s landscape.
Continue reading Good architecture arrives in Canberra–we wish
At the meeting in August 2016 on the government’s proposals to redevelop the West Basin of Lake Burley Griffin, the main line taken by the government was that their proposals were based on the Griffin Legacy.
They have tried before and have failed–but this time they have got their way.
Picking up on an online article by Dr Martin Hirst where he lays out some of the problems with journalisms – I offer the following additional thoughts.
Here’s a highly recommended album for those who want to hear good Americana with a touch of rock. This is a best of Paul Thorn-2016 album – two discs. Rating 4/5
Expressions of Interest are due by 5pm on 3 February 2017
Travel around Canberra and/or many cities anywhere and there is now evidence that we all love to light up our days and nights to celebrate Christmas.
I have been buying apple computers since about 1991. Most of time I have been very impressed.
Click on the image to see the point being made – it’s a good one!
Feel like some laid back almost soporific songs as if you had wandered into a quite bar or club. And some music that does not quite follow current americana, rock, blues or jazz trends.
Here’s an album of all of that and a little more. Admittedly I am a fan of Howe Gelb and Giant Sands music – but this is not his usual fare. Yes it still has that Arizona feel but it is very laid back – and enjoyable.
We have reached the point that flying anywhere is no longer an human experience we should consider unless you are able to book business class seats.
Louise Grayson, Queensland University of Technology (this essay was originally published in The Conversation)
One of the pleasures of life is a great cup of coffee and a real baguette.
Julianne Schultz, Griffith University (This has been reprinted from The Conversation)
They have tried before and I am sure they will keep trying till they get their way.
The visual arts in Canberra is a very active scene. It has been thus for several decades.
One very nice recording just out by Suzanne Vega.
Usually at this time of the year, I am looking forward to the coming visual arts exhibitions at the National Gallery of Australia (NGA).
Continue reading Versailles at the NGA–a summer of glitz, cake and unsettled staff
For many years tourists regarded Singapore as a stop over to somewhere else. Most spent a night or three but rarely much more.
I wrote briefly about this earlier – and as I said before – it’s a book for anyone puzzled by the current loser who is Prime Minister.
click here for more on the book and here’s an article by the author about his dilemma–click here.”
The Singapore Biennale is now on till 26 February 2017.
Here’s a fun story about two musicians and how they made this album. They hopped on the train and then jumped off at stops along the way to record a song – while making sure they were back on board as the train left. And yes – the music is good stuff. Definitely worth a listen if you are a follower of Billy Bragg and Joe Henry. Click here for more on the album.
Here’s a book for anyone puzzled by the current loser who is Prime Minister. I am still reading it… click here or on the image. and here’s an article by the author about his dilemma–click here. Review to follow…..
Yes, there’s a new album out by our man, Leonard Cohen.
A collaboration between the writer George Monbiot and musician Ewan McLennan seeking to use music and word to open up the issue of loneliness and bring people together.
I have posted previously about driving to Sydney – and – about the drive to Melbourne and the coffee stops along the way. Here’s a few more things to consider.
Just when things were getting stupid in most sectors of Australian politics, up pops another idiot. These people vote!
Neil Young news – coming to the 2017 Byron Bay Bluesfest – online notice click here.
Here’s an album for the many Van Morrison fans. They will love it.
Have a look at the photograph above – taken from the Canberra Times.
A report that signals the ever increasing problems Australians have with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (the ABC) inaccurate reporting on issues.
This essay by Don Watson, is totally recommended. If you are wondering what is going on with the USA and what is happening to democracy, then read this. It is not necessarily about Trump, but more about Don Watson’s observations of the American people and how they have ended up in this place – it is logical. This is in fact where the USA is today.
National Trust of Australia (ACT) hosted a public Heritage Election Forum at St John’s church hall in Reid last Thursday night 22 September.
The photographer, Harold Cazneaux is an important early 20th Century artist in the history of Australia photography.
Now here’s an idea. Should we recognise the worst architecture?
Canberra is usually referred to as being a designed and/or planned city. Continue reading Government Architect – what’s that?
A new song from Nick Cave – one you may need to stop and listen to especially when you realise when he wrote it – just after his son had died. Continue reading Nick Cave
More news about Canberra’s new public art festival – to run Friday 21st October to Sunday 13th November 2016. Continue reading contour 556
weird things can happen within the art world – as in all aspect of life.
The art work by Annie Trevillian plus others..
Here’s a review that points to the great work being done by artists working within Megalo – a Canberra based open access print workshop. Click here.
One day soon I must tell my version of Megalo when I worked for the organisation as it was then from 1986 to 1991.
An update on the issue of a misleading article in The Art Newspaper. Click here and scroll down the page to see the latest on this story
An open letter to The Art Newspaper( 29 July) plus correspondence (5 August 2016)
Over many years I have accessed the Art Newspaper and when appropriate have either passed on links or have posted articles online that have links back to the Art Newspaper.
Continue reading The Art Newspaper – Wrong about The Bishop Museum
Apparently if you chose to drive straight through to Melbourne from Canberra, it can take as little as just under seven hours.