EVENTS & ACTIVITIES Features
In Review: Melbourne Now, Nov ’13 – Mar ’14
There has never been an exhibition quite this ambitious in the National Gallery of Victoria’s history. With works spanning over both NGV venues (NGV International and the Ian Potter Centre in Federation Square) the collection is vast and enthralling. Featuring hundreds of works in the fields of art, architecture, design, performance and cultural practice we get a multidimensional view of Melbourne’s creative identity. Here we have listed a few of our favourite pieces from Melbourne Now, and we highly recommend exploring every nook and cranny to find your own hidden treasures.
At Home with the Hotham St Ladies – Hotham St Ladies
Located in the foyer of the NGVA we see two scenes: remnants of a rambunctious dinner party, and a lounge room that could either belong to your grandmother or hipster best friend. Now look closer at the cigarette butts in the ashtray, the texture of the carpet and the design on the wallpaper; it’s all made from cake icing and fondant. The Hotham St Ladies are a collective of young female artists who came together after living in the same Collingwood share house. The detail in their work is astounding, if not a little humorous.
Degustation – Julia deVille
Largely known for her work in taxidermy and jewellery making, Julia deVille has transformed her own corner of the NGVA into a banquet room fit for an evil queen. Interestingly, Julia is a vegan and only uses animals in her taxidermy that have died from natural causes. Degustation causes us to reconsider our own perceptions of death and beauty in remembrance.
For You – Darren Sylvester
This light up dance floor is as much fun to dance on as it is hypnotizing to watch. The colours of the lights were inspired by the current Yves Saint Laurent eye shadows, because according to ‘market research’ they are the most complimentary colours for the widest cross section of people. You’re guaranteed to look good on this dance floor.
West Park Proposition – Ash Keating
Melbourne has become synonymous with street art and it would be utterly criminal not to feature one of our finest homegrown talents. West Park Proposition is a three screen video installation of him covering a concrete slab of a warehouse in paint that is either sprayed or thrown directly on the building. Ash attempts to camouflage the building with its natural surroundings, and in doing so creates a mesmerizing large-scale piece.
One last thing: We recommend going on a voluntary guide tour that are run at both the NGVA and NGVI everyday at 11am and 2pm. They are free and offer an extra insight into some of the works you may have missed otherwise. Melbourne Now will be open until the 23rd of March 2014 and is a free exhibition.
Writer & Photographer – Hannah. V
