Those in the art world know that the 2013 Hidden Faces of the Archibald People’s Choice exhibition is currently open for viewing and voting by the general public at the Hilton Melbourne, South Wharf Docklands Convention Centre from June 10 to August 8, 2013.

This story is for the uninitiated.

Last year was the first time my attentions were drawn to Melbourne’s Salon des Refuses as it is known in art circles. This happened by invitation from a friend of my brother, singer / songwriter Lucy Gale who was the portrait subject for artist Jim van Geet’s 2012 Archibald entry and was part of that years Hidden Faces. My job was to cover the event.

Even though I have spent many years in media and promotions directly and indirectly since the family business was first born back in 1972; I had never been drawn into this creative world of fine art in such a personal and ethereal way prior to that meeting in the Hilton foyer this time last year. Since then I have been an enthusiastic and appreciative participant, doing what I can to further illuminate the fruits of Melbourne’s extraordinary home grown fine artists.

Melbourne is well known around the world as the epicentre for Australia’s premier art and cultural communities. The Victorian Salon des Refuses, Hidden Faces has evolved to give audience and expression to our best and is open exclusively to Victorian artists, running in tandem with the touring of the Archibald show.

Long time curator / manager of the Melbourne Hidden Faces, Jacqueline Taylor OAM from Ozlink Entertainment says, “I am constantly amazed at the talent of portrait artists in Victoria. Hidden Faces continues to bring-to-the-fore this expertise in this year’s excellent collection of paintings.

This years exhibition is showcasing 52 diverse portraits; encompassing a wide variety of subjects, styles and techniques featuring comedy, sport and justice making this display outstanding.

My friend Jim van Geet, a veteran contributor to the Sydney based Archibald art competition chose his subject for this years entry very carefully. He was drawn to the Hon. Justice Betty King of the Supreme Court of Victoria, regardless of the fact Betty was the subject of another artist’s 2012 Archibald entry. His reason for this when asked was to say, “I wanted to reflect who she is, not what she does.” Betty’s portrait bares witness to his intent. Another stand out feature of Jim’s portrait of Betty King is the surrounding gold leave background which is known by all artists as being exceptionally hard to paint well.

After close viewing of this inspiring exhibition in its entirety I can confidently say I have chosen my top five contenders to take out this years People’s Choice Award. In random order the remaining candidates are:

Gillian Warden titled “Virtue” Mixed Media on Canvas 122cm h x 122cm w. Subject: Laurie Baymarrwangaa (Australian of the Year 2012)

Matt Adnate titled “For All to See” Spray Paint with Acrylic background on Canvas 110cm h x 180cm w. Subject: Samantha Harris, Aboriginal Supermodel.

Artist David Bryant titled Matthew Harding, Artist engaged in Scupture, Public Art & Designwatercolour 153cm h x 117cm w.

Vicki Sullivan titled ‘John Waters‘ Oil on Belgian Linen 130cm h x 100cm w. Subject: John Waters, Actor & Singer.

Location: Lobby, Hilton Melbourne South Wharf, 2 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf

When: 10 June – 8 August 2013. Freely open for viewing all day.

review by Kerrie Pacholli

 

 

Monday night residency at Claypots

I attended the premier performance of Ross Hannaford who is known as one of the best rock guitarists in the country last Monday evening at Claypots in Barkly Street St Kilda. Ross was accompanied by the equally dynamic Ray Pereira and Jacob Kinniburgh on percussion and we were given a great performance to kick off their Monday night residency.

If you like to be entertainment and stimulated by musical virtuosos doing their thing in a relaxed and intimate environment I suggest you come along to this free gig and be part of.

No doubt these performances will continue to morph creatively as Ross’ unique and innovative style is always pushing through barriers in high art.

Around the campfire

I love being surprised and absolutely thrive on being inspired. I was gifted both last night at The Light of Winter around the camp fire at Federation Square.

This amazing recreation of a desert campfire in the middle of the city, which will be burning 24/7 till the end of June 2013, combined with world class performances by multi-talented singer / songwriter and storyteller’s Jayden Lillyst and his uncle Peter Rotumah transported us to the positive and magical realms of our indigenous spirit.

Local Indigenous storyteller the amazing Uncle Larry Walsh opened the celebration by acknowledging the spirit of our land’s original caretakers and introducing the nights MC the eloquent artist and musician Rob Bundle who orchestrated this spellbinding evening of high culture.

01 Survival Song

 

 

 

‘World Environment Day’ 2013- how will you mark it?

Participating in activism in the Melbourne CBD? Or by marrying environment and art at St Kilda Town Hall? Either way, be sure to make your mark at the world’s largest celebration of the environment.

On Wednesday 5 June, the Wilderness Society is celebrating our State’s majestic native forests and raising awareness about Victoria’s logging practices. Every day, 8 city blocks of Victoria’s forests are logged, mostly to make products like inexpensive copy paper. At 12.45pm, there will be a joining of hands around one of Melbourne CBD’s two hectare city blocks, to show solidarity for protecting forests such as Toolangi. Find out where and RSVP.

The following evening, 6 June, there are a raft of free arts workshops on offer at the City of Port Phillip’s Creative SustainAbility event: Indigenous plant illustration; Treasures from country and Natural dye-making, to name a few. Channel your inner Namatjira! And don’t miss an unforgettable Boon Wurrung Ngargee performance. View Program.

Evening Star home to THE SALON

Last century, back in the 90’s I was intrinsically linked to a group of inspirational and extraordinary street poets. My dear friend the late Allan “Word Warrior” Gregory was one of the driving forces that propelled this often rough and raw community to bare their souls weekly around the pubs of Melbourne on both sides of the Yarra. Equipped with robust creative spirits they did this with little to no other resources and my contribution at that time was a weekly article titled ‘Poets Corner’ featured in our family’s local independent newspaper.

Fast tracking a couple of decades and my dear friend Marian Webb a natural born wordsmith and local poet invited me to attend last Monday nights’ innovative evening of live performances at THE SALON; the new monthly Port Phillip Gilgamesh Salon at the Evening Star in South Melbourne.

Being told we were heading to a pub, on arrival I was thoroughly enamoured by the exotic digs provided by our host the cosmopolitan Renan Goksin, owner of St Kilda’s iconic Claypots.

After a spicy feed provided by the well stocked galley and armed with my camera it didn’t take long for me to be inspired to start shooting.

Esteemed writer Jacinta Le Plastrier THE SALON organiser is attracting and featuring the best Oz writers, poets, artists and thinkers to these very special monthly events. As a result, I was again transported to the ethereal and tribal world of lyrical connection where the creative juices flow unabated. But this time I was in the midst of a very classy, bohemian ship of artists; surrounded by high tech installations and the cream of Melbourne’s poet’s and academics.

For details of next months event:
http://jacintaleplastrierofficial.blogspot.com.au/

www.facebook.com/GilgameshReadings