GAS (Grid Art Space) presents the second art exhibition at Punchinello Pop-Up at 33 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda as part of the May 2018 St Kilda Art Crawl.
Contributing artists include Adrian Spurr, Salvatori Lolicato, Geoffrey Hales, Tommy Langra, Calthestoner, Michael Kluge and Marko Maglaic.
Photographs Michael Kluge, text Kerrie Pacholli
With 23 empty shops along Fitzroy Street St Kilda waiting to be rented, there has been much debate in state and local government, as well as among property developers and on the streets, as to why Fitzroy Street; from Grey Street down to the beach has become a tumble-weed zone.
Mobile artist Tommy Langra working at his draughtsman buggy
Inspired by the May St Kilda Art Crawl and with assistance from owners of 33 Fitzroy Street, Jenny Li and husband Rob Semple, GRID ART SPACE (GAS) organized a group of local artists to join forces. The result is an outstanding high-end pop-up art gallery in the middle of this neglected zone, to show what can be done with talent and teamwork.
This is the second time GRID ART SPACE in association with St Kilda Art Crawl hosted a pop-up art gallery in that space. GAS is a collaboration between Shakespeare Grove artist Adrian Spurr and producer / publicist Kerrie Pacholli with the aim to fill empty spaces with art and culture to bring about growth.
Hedron Resurrection by Cal the Stoner image © Michael Kluge
With encouraging sales on both occasions, the organizers received much praise from delighted visitors with encouragement to keep it open. But this of course can only happen with the community support of both local and state government.
With the debate still open most would agree that this collaborative artistic and cultural inclusion added much needed prestige to an otherwise depressed local economy.
Ceramics by Salvatori Lolicato image © Michael Kluge
Exhibiting artists include: Master printmaker and sculptor Adrian Spurr, ceramicist Salvatori Lolicato, photographer Michael Kluge, painters’ Tommy Langra and Marko Maglaic.
Tommy Langra will be working and exhibiting at Punchinello Pop-Up everyday during the St Kilda Crawl from 10 – 6pm at 33 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
The Public and The Private – the dualities of being
Artists showing: Painter Faye De Pasqualie, sculptor Adrian Spurr, painter / sculptor Laurie Miller, multi-media and performing artist Sophie Ruolle, Aboriginal artists’ Dino Damiani and didgeridoo player Josh Birtwhistle, painter Elena Simak, painter Pamella Reine, painter Clare Austin, painter and lighting installations Charles Allardice. DJ James Stone.
WHAT: St Kilda Art Crawl
WHEN: 21 – 24 Sept
WHERE: 33 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda Punchinello pop up on the map
As part of the inaugural St Kilda Art Crawl launch Punchinello pop up gallery is hosting some very exceptional artists. Do not miss performances by the beautiful and talented Sophie Ruolle.
