Modernists: highlights from the European collection, till 25 April 2016
Category Archives: Visual Arts
National Gallery Singapore
click on image above for the story about this very successful new national gallery.
Shimmer at Wollongong City Gallery
Public Art Festival – Contour 556
Advance notice for a Canberra Public Art Festival for later in 2016.
Contour 556 is to be a three-week public art festival in Canberra 21 October – 13 November 2016 on the foreshores of Lake Burley Griffin (and other locations). Continue reading Public Art Festival – Contour 556
Sculpture walk through Civic
When reading the latest thought bubbles from the property lobby, it was difficult to avoid laughing out loud.
Photographs of 1930s China by Stanley O. Gregory
Canberra Sculpture Walk proposal
When reading the latest thought bubbles from the property lobby, it was difficult to avoid laughing out loud. In their quest to improve Civic business activity, the Civic property lobby has recommended that the ACT Government should hand over money to assist in the refurbishment of the Melbourne and Sydney buildings.
photography
Helen Levitt at Laurence Miller
NGA Photography – The world is beautiful
Reminder of this recommended exhibition at the NGA – click on the photo above.
photography
A new exhibition about the Australian beach – this one contains paintings and a fine mix of photographs. (click on the image above for more images)
Blue Poles at the museum
There is talk in the art world about the National Gallery of Australia’s (NGA) changes to their permanent collection galleries and how this has included the movement of the famous Jackson Pollock painting, Blue Poles, from its long historic position downstairs to the upstairs galleries.
NGA Photography – The world is beautiful
In amongst the many changes across the National Gallery of Australia has been the opening up of a new exhibition of photographs from their own collection.
Highly recommended – Tom Roberts at the NGA
The National Gallery of Australia (NGA) has launched a major Tom Roberts exhibition.
Continue reading Highly recommended – Tom Roberts at the NGA
National Gallery Singapore
NGA Photography
Opening 4th December 2015: The world is beautiful
Climarte
CLIMARTE is curating an exhibition by Australia artist Debbie Symons. The artwork is a digital work titled Counting One to Four: Nature morte. Click on the image for more.
Spray For Paris
Click on image for the story in The Guardian
Australian Art at the NGA
Sometimes a visit to the National Gallery of Australia can deliver a very nice surprise.
Peace for Paris
Nick Brandt
Click on the image for the link to the gallery page for the artist – and for more, see this article
When Soak Becomes Spill
click on image for the story of the work by Subodh Gupta
Award for freedom of expression in art
click on the image for the story from The Straits Time and more on FX Harsono
Andrew Sayers
Click on the image for an article by Sasha Grishin on Andrew
Kingston Arts Precinct
There’s was a recent announcement that the government is calling for developers to put forward proposals to develop part of the Kingston Foreshore site as an arts precinct.
One wonders what their perception and concept of what is art precinct. Then there will be the issues that the government is looking for a commercial entity to propose an arts precinct.
Australian politician and the arts
One of these images is of an ass. One of these images is of a painting.
Monash Gallery of Art & Bowness
The MGA has announced Joseph McGlennon as the winner of the 2015 Bowness prize.
There’s an online video made before the announcement – Guardian Australian photo editor Jonny Weeks and photographer Mike Bowers discuss the entires and their picks for the winners. click here.
Obituary Rose Farrell 1949 – 2015
It with great sadness that we heard that our friend Rose Farrell died recently. There’s a very good piece about Rose written by Robert Nelson — click here.
national gallery singapore
Opening Celebrations announced
Starts 24 November. Complimentary entry for visitors from 24 Nov – 6 Dec 2015. Click on image for link to gallery website.
Poor Man’s Kapoor
click on the image for the story
ARTnews + Art In America
As art publication struggle along with other hard copy magazines, there’s interesting news about how ARTnews and Art in America are to merge to form the world’s largest art-media company.
Canberra Tales: NGA steps to nowhere
The National Gallery of Australia (NGA) opened its new wing in 2010 and amongst several key improvements was the realignment of the main front entrance.
Internecine: The Vanished Musicians
Review — Internecine: The Vanished Musicians
The exhibition, Internecine — The Vanished Musicians is a multi media exhibition that deals with immigration issues that are part of Australia’s recent history.
east asian art at CMAG
The Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG) is presently staging an exhibition not to be missed.
Dismaland
There’s been quiet a bit of writing online about Bansky’s latest project – Dismaland.
I am not sure what to make of it as theme parks would be something I would not even contemplate visiting. But yet, when irony is the theme, would I go. Still not sure. Meanwhile here’s a bunch of reviews and comments:
First the Guardian has a couple – one here and then another here.
The New Yorker writer writes from her own experiences of her holidays on the coast. click here.
The UK Telegraph liked it – click here.
and after reading all this – and looking at the videos and pictures – I am still not convinced.
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Paul Costigan
photography
A round up of current happenings in photography – via posts on Art Daily. Here’s the first:
Exhibition of botanical photographs by Karl Blossfeldt opens at Pinakothek der Moderne – click on the image
Mind The Art
Mind the art: Transport for London unveils new commissions for the tube (click on image)
Gateways into Canberra
I enjoy the drive between Sydney from Canberra. I do it reasonably often. The mood of the country changes according to the weather, the drought, the latest rains and the time of the day.
Vincent Photographed
Is This a Photograph of Vincent Van Gogh? click on image for the story
Photography
The previous story on the Australian Centre for Photography relocating may have been inaccurate. We have heard that all options remain open on the table. The ACP is still looking at inner Sydney venues and that nothing has been decided yet.
Perfect Likeness
Photography is alive and well in Los Angeles – click here for a review of an exhibition. And for a direct link to the gallery at the Hammer Museum and for more images of the works in the exhibition – click here.
Joseph Cornell
An exhibition I would love to see – shame I am here and it is in London. Click on image.
Rosalie Gascoigne
Rosalie Gascoigne at The Goulburn Regional Art Gallery
The views of Lake George on drive up to Goulburn were very dramatic on the day we travelled north to see the Rosalie Gascoigne exhibition at the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery.
Photography
30 Photographers in Asia – click on image
Celebrating Landscape Architects
Good to see the work by locals, Harris Hobbs Landscapes, being recognised.
click on the image.
Mysterious placement of public art and memorials
Over the years I have wondered about the placement of public art and memorials in and around the parliamentary zone. Here are three stories.
Continue reading Mysterious placement of public art and memorials
Print Making at Mosman Gallery
A little while ago I reviewed an exhibition of contemporary print making at the National Gallery of Australia – click here. Last week I visited Mosman Art Gallery (Sydney) to see another contemporary print making exhibition.
Women in the Art World
recommended reading…
click on the image – for many articles about the art world and its not so fair treatment of women. If one sector of this world should have sorted this by now – surely it should have been the arts. But alas, it just ain’t so. Here’s the link again.
Arts Singapore
There’s an announcement online about a new art fair to be held in January at the same time as Art Stage Singapore, Click on the image for more on this.
Go East at AGNSW
This is an exhibition of Asian artworks from a private collection, that of Gene and Brian Sherman. It’s a good exhibition – worth visiting.
Australian Centre for Photography
Hot Gossip: The ACP to move from Paddington and will be soon looking for a new Director.
The news being circulated around Sydney is that the ACP has made its decision to move from Paddington and to move to the western suburbs, to Parramatta. This will definitely require a change to the organisation and some of its programs.
A most disturbing photo
I spotted this work of art in a visual arts print making exhibition at the Mosman City Gallery (Sydney). (Review to follow in a couple of days)
Given the current leadership of the country and its attitudes to segments of society as well as its dangerous statements about migrants – this image is way too disturbing. It reflects so accurately how so many people feel about this government and the current Prime Minister.
Loud! at AGNSW
This is a small exhibition of nine works has been produced to celebrate the 40th anniversary of International Women’s Year (1975).
AGNSW
Any time you are in Sydney, you should always find the time for a wander through the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW).
photography
The current exhibition at ANCA in Dickson presents two photographic artists whose works have direct links back to the 1970s American colour photography represented by a host of artists including William Eggleston, Stephen Shore, Helen Levitt and Joel Meyerowitz.
Public Art
for a bit of fun – click on the image
NGA Contemporary Printmaking
A Review of the NGA Exhibition: Streetwise: contemporary print culture
photography
Excellent review of Head On portrait prize
click on image for link to article by Richard Johnstone
AGNSW Sydney Modern Project
an update on Sydney Modern Project – click on image
Arts Singapore
National Gallery Singapore: A story about doubts about whether an artwork is a fake. Click on the image for more.
Venice Biennale Pavilion
There was much ado amongst the Australian arts heavies with their announcement of a new pavilion for the Venice Biennale.
Public Art in Canberra
Public sculpture commissioned in the memory of our dignitaries has been known to cause a stir amongst art lovers as well as those who take a position on public art.
Urban Suburban
Exhibition Review
Canberra Museum and Gallery: Urban Suburban. Until June 21.
The Canberra Museum and Gallery’s current major visual arts exhibition has the focus on artists’ views of life for the people living in this city.
National Portrait Gallery Anzac
There’s a special exhibition at National Portrait Gallery in Canberra. This is this institution’s contribution to the Anzac centenary.
The Photograph and Australia
There’s a new online review on the Art Gallery of NSW photography exhibition: The Photograph and Australia.
Photography
A Week in photography (care of Artdaily)
Kate Breakey at the Michener Art Museum
Click on images for more
MCA Distractions
Comment on exhibition behaviour
I enjoy the exhibitions at Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). However ever since they completed their renovations and now attract more people, something has happened in how some visitors behave.
NGA Colour My World
Exhibition Review
Colour My World, National Gallery of Australia till 30 August 2015
Here’s a recommended exhibition for those with an interest in Australian hand coloured photography from the last couple of decades.
Visiting AGNSW
Visitor comment
on visiting the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
A visit to the Art Gallery of New South Wales is always worth the trouble no matter what exhibitions are on. I have often said, that this would be one of the easier jobs in the country as the audience comes no matter what the exhibition. But
Madness: The Photograph and Australia
a review of a very strange review
The Photograph and Australia, AGNSW till 8 June 2015
It is a good thing to read critical reviews of the visual arts. A variety of views is refreshing.
The Photograph and Australia
Review: Photography
The Photograph and Australia, AGNSW till 8 June 2015
For anyone with an interest in photography, this exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) has to be seen, and then seen again.
NGA Exhibition
Colour my world: handcoloured Australian photography
National Gallery of Australia (Canberra) Exhibition open till 30 August 2015
Betty Churcher
11 January 1931 – 31 March 2015
Magna Carta Place Canberra
Review: Public Art/ Monument
A review of Canberra’s Magna Carta Place public art
This is a re-posting of a review I posted to RiotACT last week.
Loud! Photography at AGNSW
Exhibition Notice
LOUD! photographs of women by women
at the Art Gallery of NSW, 25 April – 2 July 2015 – click on the image for more
The Fourth Plinth
A city that embraces public art must a place to visit. In Canberra when Jon Stanhope was Chief Minister the city had a very active public art program.
The Photograph and Australia
Exhibition Notice
The Photograph and Australia,
at the Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney, till 8 June 2015
This is a must see exhibition.
Bendigo Art Gallery
Review – Gallery and exhibitions
A visit to the Bendigo Art Gallery
The Bendigo Art Gallery is one of the stars of Australian public art galleries. The gallery has built a great reputation through ongoing successful exhibition programs. We visited in March and were very impressed.
Taiwanese Photography
Between – Picturing 1950-1960s Taiwan
ANU Australian Centre on China in the World till 3 April 2015 
This is a highly recommended photography exhibition. It closes 3 April 2015.
AGNSW: Photography and Australia
Exhibition Notice
Photography and Australia – a major survey exhibition
Art Gallery of NSW – 21 March – 2 June 2015. click on image for more
photography
Through a Lens Darkly
There’s a new documentary on black photography in the USA.
Public Art
Canberra political public art
Canberra has a very mixed record when it comes to graffiti art in public places.
National Gallery of Victoria
Review of website NGV
I was reminded of the benefits of online information when it was mentioned on a UK program that the UK has listed all painting in public galleries on the one website. Now that is impressive. So I thought it was time to look again at how the galleries in Australia communicate through their websites.
40 Years Photography
1974… 40 YEARS / 40 PHOTOGRAPHS
A Celebration by Galerie Kicken Berlin – 40 years of exhibitions and support of photography through an exhibition of 40 photographs.
Click here to go to Gael Newton’s blog posting.
Photography
UK Bans Export of Album
The UK government has taken action to ban the export of seventy photographs by Swedish photography pioneer Oscar Gustave Rejlander.
NGA photography
Visiting the NGA collections
The National Gallery of Australia (NGA) is always worth the visit to see the collection exhibitions. Right now with a major exhibition on, the other galleries are reasonably quiet which is perfect for sitting and contemplating. If you can find a seat.
National Gallery: The Film
Notice of Film Release
National Gallery: The Film (2014) by Frederick Wisemen
This film has been released and I have read numerous positive reviews and much commentary about its making. I have noted the release as I consider going to The National Gallery in London as one of the great joys in life.
Lee Grant Photography
New Yorker on Lee Grant and Korean photography
Art Gallery of NSW
The future looks great for the AGNSW
Being the best state Art Gallery in Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales looks to become even better.
I always enjoy a visit to this gallery. It doesn’t matter what special exhibitions are on. There is plenty to see and to engage with.
Chinese Whispers
Visual Arts Review
Chinese Whispers at the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery
till end of January 2015
This exhibition is a good one. It is an inspired concept that has led to the engagement of a host of talented visual artists.
Bungaree
Visual Arts Review
Bungaree, The First Australian at The Mosman Art Gallery
Open till 22 February 2015.
We travelled along to the Mosman Art Gallery around lunch time one sunny day in early January. The gallery was quiet with no other visitors during our 45 minute visit.
The Bungaree exhibition at the gallery contains works by 16 emerging and established artists who have nominally re-interpreted the stories around Bungaree. The image to the right is of Bungaree. There are numerous historic paintings of Bungaree.
SFMOMA Photography out and about
Photography is alive and well in San Francisco
I noticed this report on how the San Francisco photography collection is on the move during renovations. It is always good to see such simple logic at work. Full marks to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
Dreams and Imagination, MGA photography
Review: Photography Exhibition Catalogue
Dreams and Imagination: Light in the Modern City, Monash Gallery of Art , until 1st March 2015.
I have just read a copy of a wonderful catalogue of a significant photographic exhibition at the Monash Gallery of Art (MGA). Yet again the MGA lives up to their reputation as ‘The Home of Australian Photography‘.
Chances are that I will not get to Melbourne to see this exhibition. However, the catalogue is a real gem and should be sought after by anyone interested in the development of Australian photography during the early 20th Century. (click on the images to enlarge)
A reviewer has a bad day
Guardian reviewer looses the plot
It is not the job a reviewer to write stuff that everyone agrees with. The Guardian has a number of art reviewers and therefore we have a range of opinions. However one would expect any of these reviewers to be making sense.
It has come to pass that one reviewer has been showing signs of stress or something equivalent.
Art Gallery Exhibitions
Review: Visual Arts/photography
This is my December 2014 overview on accessing Australia’s major visual art gallery exhibition programs though their websites. – and the status of photography.
Public Art
Comment on public art problems
Visiting London, we came across this piece of public art at The Angel, a centre located on the outskirts of central London, to the north-east.
Sydney Photography 2014 – 2015
Notices of photography exhibitions in Sydney
over the period end of 2014 into 2015
The information below is about photography exhibitions in Sydney over the period from the end of 2014 into the early parts of 2015.
This is my selection and may be added to as I come across exhibitions I would like to recommend. If you know of others, let me know. But I will only upload stuff I am interested in and/or can recommend.
Black Victorians
Review: Photography
Black Chronicles II
Rivington Place, London till 29 Nov 2014.
This a photography exhibition that has to be seen in the flesh to be appreciated. The basis for the exhibition is the unearthing of photographs that have not been seen for far too many years.
The researchers have done a great job of identifying most of the subjects. The main room has huge portraits printed from the original negatives. The people are from an African choir on tour in Britain between 1891-93.
These images are just so beautiful and majestic. They have been printed super large and each person is represented by two different portraits.
Enjoying Life in Vienna
A Photo-Essay on enjoying Vienna
click on any image to enlarge
Enjoying Life in Vienna
Review: Visual Arts
Cosima Von Bonin: Hippies Use Side Door.
The Year 2014 Has Lost The Plot
MUMOK – Museum Moderner Kunst Stiftung Ludwig Wien, Vienna
Spoiler alert. Be warned, this exhibition did not excite! Cosima Von Bonin’s latest exhibition is across several floors of the MUMOK and it is impressive. There are loads of cultural references and heaps of barbs at things within our culture, particularly the american culture we have all come to love and loath. It was an interesting experience to visit this massive exhibition.
I took my time – but
Singapore Photography
Review: Photography
Exhibitions from the 2014 Singapore International Photography Festival
The Singapore International Photography Festival has definitely arrived. It has now being staged every two years and this year’s is the fourth.
Bansky and racism
click on image for the Guardian story on how Bansky was accused of racism.