It was almost dark by the time I found the number, the only indication of any type of habitation was in the form of a non-decrepit steel door all stickered, tagged and signed with various recognisable marks – names, logos,characters, and, of course, the stylised, almost runic arrangements of TwoOnes familiar font.
Well, with Monday comes the first day that I’ve felt 100% healthy in weeks, so its back with the all rolling on blog updates and some more interviews – so we’re back to it with news of the third installation of Gorker Gallerys Forty Thieves, an annual group exhibition of forty artists from Melbourne, Australia and the world. The last two have been great shows, so we’re really looking forward to this one, its just loaded to the hilt with talent.
Forty Thieves opens this Thursday, the 1st July at Gorker Gallery.
“To Celebrate their 2nd birthday Gorker Gallery is proud to present ‘The Forty Thieves 3: The Third Offense’ group exhibition, the third installment of their popular annual group exhibition series ‘The Forty Thieves’. Curated by Luke Mathews and Lauren Biedrzycki, The Forty Thieves showcases an exciting line-up of forty of the best leading local and international street and fine artists, each asked to create a work on the theme of a mug shot.“
Who: ACORN / ALASTAIR MOONEY / BEC WINNEL / BEN FROST / BRETT CHAN / BRETT MANNING / BRIDGE STEHLI / CAMELLIE / CAT RABBIT / DARREN HENDERSON / DEB / DREWFUNK / EAMO / EARS / HAW / ILYA MILSTEIN / JAGI / JAMES JIRAT PATRADOON / JULIA RICH / JUSTIN LEE WILLIAMS / JUSTIN WALLIS / KAREENA ZEREFOS / KELLY THOMPSON / MAKATRON / NATE HOLMES TRAPNELL / NIOR / TIS CHAMBERLAIN / REGAN TAMANUI / RIK LEE / SASKIA PANDJI SAKTI / SEAN MORRIS / SEAN EDWARD WHELAN / SLOW DEATH / STABS / STEFF WILSON / SUTU / TOBIAS J / TRISTAN JALLEH / TWOONE / VEXTA
What: Forty Thieves II – The Third Offence
Where: Gorker Gallery – 395 Gore Street, Corner Gore & Kerr St Fitzroy
When: Opens 6pm 1st July, exhibition runs til 18th July
Well, its been a pretty rough last two or three weeks here - fighting off a massive flu, followed by a super-resistant infection of plague proportions, coupled with some dodgy bastard breaking in to the office at a friends bar and stealing my laptop (privacy be damned, they have him on CCTV, give me a photo of the fucker!) with a hell of a lot of stuff that hadn’t (stupid, stupid I should know so much better) been backed up … so, forgive me for having been a bit light on updates and such here, but hopefully after this weekend things will be back on track again …
Coming up tonight, don’t forget that Meggs has his solo exhibition at the new Backwoods gallery, which, incidental, is also the opening show for itself – looks funky.
New week, Wooden Foundations will be opening, and the show is shaping up to look amazing – I was hoping to get up a great feature last week with Twoone to couple with this show, but, alas, thats correct – its being re-written (did I mention how much I hate thieves?) – at least I still have all the notes and photos! Don’t forget to check out the Wooden Foundations blog (which has some pretty amazing stuff on it) to keep up on what they’re doing in the next week.
At Large Gallery is currently also running the Northern Exposure Group Exhibition – I managed to drag my pestilent carcass out to that last Friday for a little while, and the quality of the work there is second to none – a wide range of styles and a high degree of talent on show. Theres some awesome photos of the show and the opening up as well – this is running until next weekend.
We also saw that Reka has a new exhibition in the works, no details yet, but make sure you keep up both here and on his blog for more details coming on that.
Don’t forget also to pick up a copy of Street|Studio, I had plenty of time whilst on the couch the past two weeks to read it cover to cover, and I have to say that not only was it informative, but all kinds of inspirational. They’re actually launching it in London (And Brissy, Adelaide and Sydney), over the next month), and I know theres a few of you that read this blog from those spots, so go and check it out if you’re keen.
Thats pretty much whats going on at the moment, but stay tuned for more events, interviews and general other shit – and hopefully the plague has now passed and I can get on with giving you regular news and shit on whats going on.
Ez.
With Corrosive Thoughts closing up this Thursday (Go see it while its still up – great show), the At Large crew will then be hastily setting up their second huge group exhibition this Friday.
Anyone who was at the first opening group show know that this will be just another repeat of an awesome night, and those who didn’t, this is your chance to get down and check it out and be a part of the revelry. Its in conjunction with the Northern Exposure festival in Northcote, so there will be a bunch of other openings on the night, great chance to see a wide range of different stuff.
“In a similar fashion to our first opening show, the small gallery will be jampacked with affordable and awesome new works from local, interstate and international artists. Our biggest show yet with well over 20 artists, work will range from prints, paintings, illustrations, stencils, photographic, sculptural andaerosol pieces!! With the opening of other art shows along High St on the same night, Northern Exposure is a unique art feast for anyone who loves being immersed in art!”
Who: Adnate, Amy Eating Apples, Andy Mai Mai, Adi, Ben Aitken, Bradley Sheather, Dilly, Drab, Floh, Guz, Jest, Jak Rapmund, Jason Howe(Syd), KA’a(Paris), Lucy, Makatron, Milf, Mishap, Nicole Tattersall, Phillipa Crisp, Poise, Rachee Renee, Rena Littleson, Sear, Sparcs, Sim2, Tod Walker photography and heaps more!!!
What: Northern Exposure Group Show
Where: At Large Gallery, 208 High Street, Northcote
When: Opening Friday 18th June @ 6pm, show runs until 2nd July
Check out the At Large website for more info on this and other upcoming shows.
Nails has a second showing of his work from the SouthSouthWest show currently on at the No Vacancy Project Space in Fed Square.
“If you missed my Biolume show at SouthSouthWest here’s a second chance to see it. We aren’t having an opening (maybe a closing though) coz I’m too busy getting ready for the upcoming Wooden Foundations group show at No Vacancy QV on July 1. If you’re in Melbourne come check it out.”
We love this guys work – so if you’re in the city, stop by and make sure you have a look yourself.
“Devising a visual vocabulary based on diverse influences including graphic design, mechanical form, and deep-sea life, Oeltjen presents his intriguing new explorations in assemblage and printmaking. Conceptually this show explores visual language as sourced from the written form, modularity, and sympathy between the natural world and manufactured goods.”
Who: Nails
What: Biolume, solo exhibition
Where: No Vacancy Project Space
(Located in what used to be the ACGA space opposite the NGV shop), The Atrium, Federation Square
When: Tuesday to Saturday: 11.00am – 6.00pm, Sunday: 12.00noon – 5.00pm, show runs until July 4th.
Theres also a great writeup on the show here, and check out Nails website as well.
We’ve all heard rumours of its impending drop, but this weekend saw confirmation that the Everfresh Black Book is well and truly on its way.
Whats sure to have been a labour of love for the guys at the studio, the Black Book “provides a rare and exclusive insight into the life of the studio, the artists behind the work and the culture of the elusive underground art world—a world usually cloaked in anonymity.”
So many great books coming out this year, and this is sure to be another one for everyone to grab.
Check out more information on the book itself on the Everfresh Website, as well as information on how to pre-order the limited edition hardcover when its available.
Following from last years successful Own Worst Enemy, where he delved in the nuances of comic book heroes, as well as a number of solo and group shows overseas, Meggs is set to show a brand new swath of work at his upcoming exhibition, King For A Day.
“King for a Day is a brand new collection of paintings, screen prints and installations that examine society’s celebrity obsession through the prism of our own mortality and inner duality. An energetic depiction of those who crave power, wealth and fame in both life and death, King for a Day looks at how contemporary media and social networking has accelerated stardom and increased the pitfalls that come with celebrity attention.”
King For A Day will be the first exhibition to be held at the new Backwoods gallery in Collingwood, and we cant think of a more fitting launch for their new endeavor!
Who: Meggs
What: King For A Day solo exhibition
Where: Backwoods Gallery, Upstairs (rear side of alley), 25 Easey Street, Collingwood
When: Opens 25th June 6pm – 9pm, exhibition runs until 18th July
Check out Meggs website here for more info, and news.
So I’m playing catch up for most of this week, but I saw this and thought it’d be worthwhile to post for anyone looking at something to do over the weekend.
IRENE is an underground arts festival in Brunswick, running for all three days of the long weekend, and will incorporate everything from live painting, to workshops, food, music, street art tours and an art auction, plus a lot more – definitely looks like fun, and I’m sure if I can shake this plague that I’ll be heading across the river to check it out myself.
A diverse range of artists will be in attendance, representing the local, interstate and international vibe: including: Ha Ha (melb), Junky projects (nsw), Ben Howe (melb), Presto (nsw), KA’a (france), Makatron (Melb), Zombie arms (usa), Moutard Zlodeykin (russia), Drab Art (nz), Will Coles (nsw), Paul Kalemba (melb), Losers/Kills, Aeon (melb), Urban Cake Lady (melb), Mishap & Simz (melb), Seekayem (nz), Georg (bris), Dieter/Zakatak (melb), Stink, RSPND (melb), Snotrag (melb). There will also be a live concert by ELF & Mc Izzy.
Festival will be held at and around 5 Pitt Street, Brunswick.
Schedule is as follows:
Friday 6-9pm
Street Art Exhibition opening night with live music from Elf Transporter & MC Izzy
Saturday 3–12pm
Live music by Blades, Toasters Boutique, tenfold, Scotty B the Digital Assassin, Anon Speak, Laird and Lomas feat Madman, Ida, DJ Luke Presto plus many more!
Saturday & Sunday
Live painting, stencil art, and paste ups from some of Melbourne’s best creatives.
Art auction (Works from the street art exhibition!). You can also go on guided, local street art tours.
Enjoy snacks from FOOD NOT BOMBS!
Sunday Only 12–5pm
Workshops, artist talks & a sizzling BBQ”
Via We Make Stuff Good and the events Facebook page.
Saw this one posted this morning, it’s a pretty worthy cause so hopefully a fair few heads make their way down to it – good chance to check out some great art as well as give a hand to some kids in need.
“This Thursday night there is a fundraiser auction for Orphund at the Rose Street Artists market. I’ve submitted an AP (artist proof) screenprint (the last of its kind publicly available) and artists like Drewfunk and Itch will be painting live and donating works for the Auction. Its a good cause so get on down with some dollars if you can to help them reach their goal of supplying education to Orphaned kids from Uganda. – Meggs.”
Who: Itch, Drewfunk, Monkey, Meggs
What: Orphfund Charity Auction
Where: Rose Street Artist Market, Fitzroy
When: June 10th (tonight) at 7:30pm
Lots going on in the next few weeks, and our updates have been slightly hampered by this damn flu thats going around! Sighted on the horizon come July however, No Vacancy has another great group exhibition on in the form of Wooden Foundations. Bonsai, Oh54, Nails and Twoone will all be putting stuff into this one, and the show will have a high collaborative focus, mostly utlising found/recycled objects.
The guys have also set up a blog in order to track the evolution of the project over the next few weeks – and, of course, there are also details on the No Vacancy website.
Also, keep an eye out here in the next few days for a feature article with the humbly talented Twoone, who gracefully let us annoy him in his studio for a little bit last week so we could get the low down on what he’s been up to lately – including what he’s been working on for this show.
Who: Bonsai, Nails, Oh54, Twoone
What: Wooden Foundations group exhibition
Where: No Vacancy gallery, 34-40 Jane Bell Lane, QV, Melbourne
When: Thursday 1st July, opens 6pm – exhibition runs to 16th July
Big month all around. Not so long after Per Square closed its doors, there’s another gallery springing up in Collingwood. A collaboration between Ghostpatrol, Meggs, Alex Mitchell, Rone and the girls from Diamond Dozen, Izzy Callagorie & Edwina Hanneyse, Backwoods looks set to give us a bunch of great exhibitions in the future, with a bunch of great artists on show.
“So Meggs, Alex Mitchell, Rone & myself have been trying to get this Gallery off the ground for the last 6 months but have been pushing it back just so it was done right. It has all come together with the help of Izzy Callagorie & Edwina Hanneysee from Diamond Dozen
The Gallery will be focusing on solo shows of international & local artists who border on the fringe of street & fine art. The opening exhibition: Meggs “king for a day’ opens on the 25th of June.”
Sounds awesome – a Meggs solo sounds a great way to open it too!
Via Ghostpatrols blog, Deathtron. More information can be found on the Backwoods Website.
Wow, what a weekend for art in Melbourne. Its a testament to both the popularity of the work coming out of here, as well as the hard work of all the artists, that several large events were able to be held on the one night with full crowds and interested fans at each. Some, like myself, with a bit of liquid assistance, managed to make it to all several events – so heres a bit of a recap – I’m no photographer, but we did manage to capture some good ones here and there!
Warning – contains cool art, great crowds and obligatory blood spattered zombies …
We cant say enough and as many times as possible, what massive fans of Robots we are here at Invurt – big, small, electric, atomic, steam, lazer beams for eyes, transforming, fighting, all out fantastic bio/metallalic things – but we’re guessing you’ve noticed this by now.
So when we saw that Sekure D, renowned in the sneaker realm for his amazing custom designs, as well as for his past exhibitions and design work, was putting on another exhibition featuring his array of mechanical minions … well, there was no way we could resist asking him about his futuristic cohorts, how he manages to come up with such rad kick designs, and where he wants to take us on his ride into the future, where Robots > Humans …
We love robots, and anything to do with robots. Thankfully, Sekure D also loves robots as much as we do, and is paying homage to them in his latest exhibition at Hogan Gallery. Having shown his art the world round, from the US to London to NZ, Robots > Humans is Sekure Ds third solo show. Incorporating everything from playful robotic illustration and wet-work, to sneaker design, it looks right up our alley.
"The year is 2322 and the robots, no longer reliant on their solar heart panels, have taken over the world, exterminating all but a few humans whom are kept for research and as pets. After a century spent completing their foremost objective they are now left, bereft of meaning; a regrettable shortcoming of Artificial Intelligence. Seeking something greater, ‘Codename Unknown’ and the rest of the Robotic Allegiance have turned to the daily activities of humans in conjunction with bubble mining to maintain their energy levels and fulfil their needs."
Who: Sekure D
What: Robots > Humans
Where: Hogan Gallery, 310 Smith Street, Collingwood
When: Opening Friday 4th June @ 6pm, Exhibition runs from 1st of June til 15th.
Via We Make Stuff Good, via Sekure Ds website.
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