The curvaceous tendancies of the human form (particularly for the female sex) has inspired the creative habits of painters for centuries. From Titian Vecellio and Pierre-Auguste Renoir's deified ladies to the modern figures of Lucian Freud, the nude is a subject with endless opportunities of exploration in the artworld. more
As sociologist Charles Horton Cooley once put it: 'An artist cannot fail; it is a success to be one.' What he meant is that to engage in a creative profession is a proud feat in itself, and one that, in a creative hub such as Brisbane, is fast finding plenty of support. more
We wrote about the efforts of Grateful 100 last year, and now the local initiative is set to exhibit some of the journey. In Grateful 100, participants took one photo a day for 100 days of something they’re grateful for. Now participants, and onlookers, can meet and mingle in the presence of a selection of these thankful snaps at Grateful Salon at The Box this Thursday March 21 from 6:00 pm. more
Papergirl returns for its second year in Brisbane this weekend, finding an official spot on the Bike Week schedule. The nine-day festival celebrating all things cycling will commence with Papergirl Brisbane on Saturday March 16, with dedicated cycle fiends randomly distributing art to passersby in the street. more
The 7th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT7) is a resplendent celebration of the arts from around the Asia Pacific region. Having found itself a home at GOMA and the adjoining Queensland Art Gallery for the past few months, the colourful exhibition has just reached its final weeks of display, drawing to a close on the impending date of April 14. more
Celebrated American photographer Gregory Crewdson will soon find a home (or at least his images will) at the IMA. Three series of the talent’s dramatic works will be on display – including Beneath the Roses, Sanctuary and Fireflies. Each of these large colour photographs forage into Gregory’s interest in human alienation, intertwined with his love of Edward Hopper paintings and the films of iconic director David Lynch. The cinematic images depict homes, streets and woods from a range of unidentified small American towns, as well as scenes from around Rome’s Cinecitta film studios and his family’s cabins in the woods. Though vastly different in setting, Gregory’s photographs remain emotionally charged and somewhat haunting in their depiction of isolation. In a Lonely Place will run March 16 to May 25. Image credit: Gregory Crewdson / Untitled 2006 /… more
A new contemporary art space is set to open in West End this weekend, showcasing the critical and innovative works of early and mid-career artists. more
Art has developed far beyond the paintbrush and these days involves all manner of things physical – from music to dance – in artistic ensembles. A contributor to the performance-art movement is Melbourne-based creator Timothy Kendall Edser, who will be showcasing his latest work at Metro Arts this weekend. more
If you are a Brisbane-based creator finding the industry a prickly place to enter, IMA may be able to help. The local creative juggernaut is calling for applications for its annual Fresh Cut exhibition, a savvy curation of artwork from emerging local artists. Fresh Cut has showcased up and comers since 1997 and is limited to only representing the works of artists born or living within Queensland. Those who are up to six years out of art school (and who have not yet shown at IMA) are invited to submit portfolios for consideration – this must be done by March 29. The final works chosen for Fresh Cut 2013 will be on display from August 3 to September 21. more
This weekend is the last chance to catch Ian Fairweather: Late Works 1953–74 at the Queensland Art Gallery. As part of this final showing, writer Rodney Hall and composer Erik Griswold will perform a poetic homage to the iconic artist in The Fairweather Project. Held in Gallery 14 at the Queensland Art Gallery from 3:00 pm this Saturday March 2, The Fairweather Project melds narration, a string quartet and koto to explore Ian’s life, work and the psychology reflected within the exhibition. more
Some people say that there are a handful of topics that shouldn't be discussed at any dinner party if you wish it to remain polite. From religion to money and politics, taboo topics have a way of ruffling feathers and generating a heated debate that doesn't partner well with dessert. Keep your opinions instead for the educated discussions of GOMA Talks. more
Unfortunately it seems that there are far fewer women who have reached the same heights of stardom as men in the art world. For every Tracey Emin there is a handful of male artists conquering new heights in sculpture, painting, photography and more. In response, Red Hill Gallery has curated an exhibition that appeals to and celebrates the female artists of Australia. The exhibition, Women of Substance, is a collection of works from four popular local artists – Rebecca Pierce, Emma Middleton, Danielle McManus and Madeline Ekeblad. The artists’ styles radically differ, showcasing unique creations that range from nudes to vibrant landscapes and stylised imagery. @ Red Hill Gallery, February 15 to March 3 more
Like many a creative platform, the art world can be a difficult field to enter. But new kids on the art block have an ally in Ryan Renshaw Gallery, with an exhibition that helps to welcome up-and-coming local artists into the fold. more
Favoured by the likes of wildlife photographers and naturalists, macro photography is a large name that refers to photographing tiny things. Now local artist Salli Sixpence has embraced the scientific tool in her exhibition Flying Pretty. more
The cosy loungeroom of Southside Tea Room will soon not only be home to yummy delights and hungry punters, but will also house the L*O*V*E*H*A*T*E* exhibition. Amidst the homemade delicacies and crafty cocktails that are created by owners Patience and John (of The Grates), the den will also play host to an artistic showcase for the short span of a single week. Fourteen of Brisbane’s emerging artists (including Southside’s John and resident coffee crafter Raven) will display their creative merits around the theme of love and hate (or both). Other creative collaborators involved in the exhibition include Gabriella Szableweska, Josh Rufford, Travis D Hendrix and Megan Starr-Thomas. @ Southside Tea Room, February 8–15 more
The humble pom-pom is typically associated with winter warmers in the cooler months, sweetly adorning hats, beanies and scarves. The somewhat unappreciated woolly creation is finally being celebrated in the latest exhibition to visit inner-city art space Bird Gallery and Studio. The showcase Pomiscuity is the creation of local lass Rachel Burke, who designs the whimsical label The Hiding Tree. The exhibition will display a huge range of pom-poms in all shapes and sizes – wreaths, trees and fruit will all feature in various woolly forms. Marvel at some of Rachel’s already formed pom-pom creations on the dedicated Tumblr. @ Bird Gallery and Studio, February 17 to March 1 more
Not to be mistaken for graffiti, street art is a booming part of the world’s creative scene – a strong reflection of growing urbanisation. Take a gander at street art-inspired creativity with the exhibition, Spirits. The show will feature refined paintings, sculpture and conceptual installation, all created by the hand of local lad, Shida. The Brisbane-born artist is renowned for his street art and dedication to the movement, having travelled extensively around the world to paint monumental murals and make a mark on the international scene. The exhibition allows you to delve into his world of modern spray painting, where marbling and traditional dot painting co-exist quite happily. @ Blake House Gallery, February 1–9 more
Revel in the creativity of Brisbane city when The Brisbane Collective Exhibition shows this weekend. From February 2–3, Via Studios will become home to a group of Brisbane’s local artists and musicians. Some of those involved in the weekend’s creative show include Susan Shambrook, Adam Leigh, Rita Rose, Travis D. Hendrix, Irkle and Megan Starr-Thomas. To create even more of a party atmosphere, the event is BYO alcohol, with a barbecue held from 7:00 pm to quell any hunger pangs, and snacks and soft drinks available at the canteen. more
For stylish souls who hold dear the images of New York's psychedelic 1960s, The Factory won’t be far from your inspiration board. There is now a Brisbane-based project formed with the same mentality of the original artistic commune, showcasing the creative endeavours of the River City’s residents. more
Welcome a new year of photographic pursuits with the Queensland Centre for Photography’s (QCP) first exhibition series for 2013. Until February 17, the South Brisbane creative centre will present the works of six new artists. Each artist included maintains a remarkably different take on the art form and their preference for subject matter. The following artists and exhibitions are to be on show: Abdul Karim Hekmat’s Unsafe Haven, Louis Lim’s Strangely Familiar, Earle Bridger’s Angkor Families, Peter Wanny’s Made it in China, Lachlan Gardiner’s Fragments of War, and Elise Hilder’s Dawn Of Time, For The Second Time. more
