INVURT

It was a sad moment last week when I got the invite from the At Large crew about their closing down event this coming weekend. I knew it was on its way, but it was still lamentable when I got the invitation to their very last event – and I’m even sadder still that I can’t attend due to being in Perth for the weekend!

It’ll be hard to imagine Northcote without At Large Gallery – and I can’t help but say a few words about the people, shows, and the crew there. Please excuse me whilst I take a rare moment to talk on a personal level – and, in case you don’t want to read my shit, just jump down to the bottom of the post for all the info on the actual event!

I attended the opening of At Large (I’m pretty sure it was the first article I posted on this blog, actually), and I even had a piece in that very first show – I believe that was the first show in Melbourne that I had put a piece in since I’d moved here. I’d met the crew through a mutual friend pretty much as soon as I had first arrived in the ‘burn – two people whose own art I immediately loved, and who had, no, made, time for someone who was still fresh eyed and full for questions about Melbourne and its art.

As it happened, I also put some work into a few other group shows there, and, I had two of my own there also. The biggest moment, for me, was holding my first solo show, Inhabited Times, at the gallery – which was amazing and had an amazing turn out. I pretty much did the show because of the guys there, they inspired me – after years of drawing in books and never showing anyone the stuff I’d been doing, they made me so comfortable and were so encouraging that I couldn’t not – they helped me take my art out of my own private little world  – and since then, I haven’t looked back.

Invurt and the crew at At Large also put on the group show there, Cardbordia with a bunch of other great artists, it was so much fun covering the walls in Cardboard and making an instillation styled show – what a blast.

So, to say that the place has a special place in my heart is an understatement. At Large, the crew themselves and their many helpers, as well as the people I met through the gallery and its shows,  and those I became friends with along the way, were one of the inspirations behind my starting this whole website – if you’re a fan of Invurt, then there’s a part of thanks that should be directed to the At Large crew for what you see today.

Beyond myself, there is absolutely no questions as to what these guys did for the Melbourne art, and upcoming and established artists. You need to only look at the list of exhibitions they’ve held over the past three years to get an inkling as to the kinds of artists they helped promote and support, the shows that they worked on and the events that they also held. With names like Heesco, Adi, Simz, Mupz, Jak Rapmund, Nicole Tattersall, Mishap, Rachee Renee, Sketch City and so many more … take all those great shows, and combine them with a whole range of events, battles, workshops, live art, great tunes, good beer, great people – well.

So, in their own words …

"After three ears in Northcote, At Large are closing its doors at 208 High St!!

We have always run At Large as we felt fit, and through this unconventional practice have met some truly amazing Artists, DJs, Emcees, and some of the most chilled beautiful down to earth people here, (some of who are now our family.) We have run countless gigs, openings, exhibitions and festival days, and it has been a great hub for Artists and all sorts. The ride has been amazing and unforgettable, but for now we just need a break, and a new chapter to focus on our lives and our own art.

Mishap and Dopio will be back in 2012 curating and participating in battles and exhibitions, burning walls and getting drunk in your backyard. We would love to thank every single person who made the last few years what it was by buying a can of paint, sharing a beer or spliff, or coming to a show. We are humbled by the amount of support we’ve gotten from our big Melbourne fam, customers and regulars. It has been an absolute pleasure.

Please contact us through the At Large email or website for future projects, jobs, and the usual from now on ‘cos we won’t have a shop for too much longer but we are STILL AT LARGE."

Before they close their doors, however, there is the aforementioned closing party – and, as usual with the way these guys roll, it’ll be a fkn great night – art battle, and merchandise and art up for grabs at awesome prices!

"We are closed to pack up shop generally from now until the 26th so come hang out for the last time @ At Large on Sunday 27th Nov 2011, watch Getn Jigy, Twos and Glyphics battle it out, sink a few beers and check out the huge instore sale.

15-60% off EVERYTHING including

• brand new Sourpuss range of kooky kitchen ware, beach towels, skull cushions, lamps and unique gift ware you won’t find anywhere else
• all tees and streetwear
• custom graffiti lamps made by Jest
• ALL ART AND PRINTS by various Artists
• ALL IRONLAK 6 PACKS A FURTHER 10% OFF SO $40 EACH SIXER

We will also be selling most shopfitting and furnishings so if you see anything you like or need make us an offer!!

Hope to see you all there and thanks again for your love!"

See what I mean? Going out in total style!

Anyways, the silver lining about the gallery closing is also personal – I can’t help but feel a little lightened at the news knowing that this now frees up two of my mates to come painting with us on the weekends (which is the only time I get to paint due to this whole full time work bullshit!). They’ve already both taught me a lot – about painting, about Melbourne, and about a whole bunch of amazing artists and creative individuals that they tirelessly supported – and I really can’t wait to hit some walls with them now that they aren’t stuck in the gallery.

J & B – thanks for the beers, thanks for the shows, thanks for the support and for all you did for the Melbourne street art culture with At Large Gallery, we’re looking forward to seeing what you guys get up to next year – now, lets fkn paint!

Who: The At Large crew and live art battles from Getn Jigy, Twos and Glyphics.
What: Live art, sales and awesome fun times.
Where: At Large Gallery, 208 High St, Northcote, VIC
When: Sunday 27th november, 1pm til 6pm – and then closed forever!

Check out the At Large Gallery website, and the facebook event page for more information.

Speaker TV have a cool event coming up on the 7th of November, with their first War Of The Walls event, hosting a mashup of five artists, of varying styles, battling it out for the judges vote at the Collingwood Underground.

“Sketch City is proud to support what will be Melbourne’s ultimate street art battle. Five artists compete on five blank canvases with just two hours on the clock. It’s up to you and the panel of judges to decide who will be crowned winner of War of the Walls.

The Collingwood Underground Arts Park will play host to War of the Walls where street artists ADNATE- SIMZ- TWOS- CLUB MUCHACHO & INQMONKEY will battle it out to beats provided by DJ Prequel. War of the Walls will showcase the high level of ability and flair that it takes to create these masterpieces, while promoting local talent and Melbourne’s unique street art style that continues to gain international attention.

Tickets are strictly limited so get in fast and secure your place at what is sure to be one hell of a war.”

Its cool to see a Sketch City supported event as well after their brief hiatus – they know their live art!

Who: Adnate, Simz, Twos, Club Muchacho, Inqmonkey and Dj Prequel on the decks.
What: War of the Walls, Live Art Battle
Where: Collingwood Underground Arts Park, 44 Harmsworth St, Collingwood
When: Sunday November 7th – doors open @ 6pm

Get your tickets from: warofthewalls.iwannaticket.com.au

Check out the facebook page at: www.facebook.com/warofthewalls

Going through our daily blogs, we spotted the flyer for the great group exhibition that is “Free Brains” at SJS Gallery, and, amongst the talent listed, we noticed that one of our favourites, Adnate, was also contributing a piece to the show.

So we figured, what better opportunity to ask a few questions, and delve into the mind behind some truly cool work?

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Its ladies month in the Burn-city scene, and next up on the ranks after this weeks My Girls exhibition is a tie in event from the crew over at Sketch City, Ladys Love Sketch City. Looks to be an awesome-fun gig.

“Sketch city is a regular event celebrating Melbourne’s amazing creativity, where we invite the public to our warehouse in Northcote where you can meet other artists, network and paint, draw and collaborate on any surface in the place. We invite feature street artists to come paint up the walls and demo their styles, alongside bands, DJs, dancers and any other creative concepts we find happening in this great city.

We will be celebrating Melbourne’s female creatives by bringing them together for a day of music, art, dance and film. See live painting by Melbourne’s best female artists and musicians with their unique blend of interactive live art and hip hop. For the funnest creative experience ever check out the film by Joske and theFemale Breakers, while loading up on comps, giveaways and all the art materials and wall space you’ll ever need!! This event is all ages until 7PM with big kids only after that to party on all night.”

Who: Poise, Joske, Isis, Sear, Inkle, Mishap, Miss Riz, Nicole Tattersall, Maria Rozalia Finna, Snookie and Montassj
Music: Mz Rizk, Cutluce, Taka Co, MC Pash, Toasters Boutique, Lotus, Muma Doesa and Joske
What: ‘Ladies Luv’ Sketch City
Where: Dazzleland Studios, 25 Eastment St, Northcote
When: 13 March @ 4pm onwards

Also, keep an eye out in the next week or so for an interview with the Sketch City crew …  and why not take a look at the event page on facebook and Sketch Citys website whilst you’re waiting ..

Via We Make Stuff Good

As far as collectives go, the crew at We Make Stuff Good have all the talent required in order to make their mark upon the Burn-city art frontier. Numbering over thirty individuals locally, nationally and internationally, many involved also crosshatch their membership with other luminous entities such as Sketch City, Melbourne Tours and Dont Ban The Can, to name a few.  Given this composition of deviceful minds, from all walks of the creative path, the crew at WMSG are at the top of the game, and contribute more than their fair share of passion to the cities flourishing scene.

Drawing upon that talent and energy, five of the women involved with WMSG have embarked upon a mission to promote both their own creative outputs, as well as WMSG as a whole, in a celebration of the strength of their female members. From amongst that contingent, Ania Stuff, Cammy Stuff, Krystal Stuff, Rachee Stuff and Verona stuff are all poised to unleash their work on the public, with a much anticipated tie in with the launch of the WMSG store as well as a tie-in event presented by Sketch City the following week.

Invurt recently had the opportunity to catch up WMSG’s Cammy Stuff, Krystal Stuff and Rachee Stuff to talk about art, their upcoming exhibition, and all things made good and proper.

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Sounds like the girls from over at We Make Stuff Good (who are totally rad), are putting together an event to celebrate the opening of their new online store – these girls have done some very cool stuff recently,  so get down and support them in their endeavours if you can :)

“The girls from We Make Stuff Good have been behind recent street art and cultural events such as Don’t Ban the Can, We Make Stuff Good Street Art and Bar Tours,  Sketch City and street art exhibitions at the We Make Stuff Good Gallery in Berlin.

Who: Rachee Stuff, Krystal Stuff, Cammy Stuff, Verona Stuff, Ania Stuff
What: Gallery Opening Night of ‘My Girls’
Where: Dazzleland Studios 25 Eastment St, Northcote. Tram line 86, stop 31.
When: March 5 2010, 6pm. Works also on display at the ‘Ladies Luv’ Sketch City March 13, 4pm.”

Via We Make Stuff Good