photo Robyn Wainman
Photo Betty Saez
As well as raising awareness of the fountain itself, Sharyn
hopes that (over)due recognition is given to the artists and
that an additional plaque is placed in acknowledgment.
Romantic Ireland is Dead and Gone
Kiera O'Toole
"Romantic Ireland is Dead and Gone" - a series of framed drawings in ink and charcoal - deals with migration and cultural identity, particularly in relation to Ireland. The exhibition discusses these issues in a couple of different ways - through the personal and emotional experiences of migration, and what it means to leave one's country behind for another; and through a cultural and historical critique of the country itself, what it was and what it now is, and how much of it's identity has been left behind thanks to economic change. While initially it might seem as though these are two separate subjects, they actually come together to mean much of the same thing, with a general feeling of loss, of displacement, or of distance, be it through the actual physical removal of a person from their country, or the removal of a group of people from a culture that once was. Ireland is gone, Ireland is being left behind.
The images themselves depict thin, dark figures against stark white backgrounds, sometimes in groups, sometimes alone, but always with a look of solitude about them. My initial impression was of an abstracted figure, designed not to depict any thing in particular, but rather an emotion. More interesting was my mother's impression of them being human figures, whittled down by famine, a reference to Ireland's dark history. They are, actually, bluebottle jellyfish - a creature Kiera describes as alien in the Irish imagination, but representative of the migrant experience, as they are never certain what space they occupy. While they find themselves washed onto Australian shores, they essentially remain an animal with no real sense of belonging to any one place.
"Romantic Ireland is Dead and Gone" is on at the Gosford Regional Gallery now, and runs until the 5th of December 2007.
review by Fiona Doyle
Sydney artist Astra Howard was in Gosford CBD today, engaging the people with her "conversation booth". She'll be back again tomorrow, and is well worth visiting. For more information about her work, visit Back Page. Meanwhile, here are some pictures I took today...
I just received and posted off the journal, and took some snaps of how it's progressing so far... it still has a while to go before it's filled, so I have a feeling we'll still be passing it around come 2008...
Liz Wright
Betty Saez
Sharyn Walker
Fiona Doyle
Just to let everyone know I posted our journal to fellow artist Liz Wright on Wednesday last week.. so it's journey has begun. She will post it on to the next artist, then the next, and eventually I will end up with it again, before posting it on and so forth. We'll basically keep posting it around the Central Coast until it is full, and then photograph and publish the artworks inside.
Now that he had started her remembering, recollections – like flotsam on a river in sudden spate – came dancing, gliding, bobbing and bumping across her reluctant mind.
Fanny by Gaslight, Michael Sadleir 1940
Sharyn has been questioning memory and recollection for several years, since a statement from a family member led to emotional and physical estrangement.
“Remembering seems to be a process of selection and using that selection to move forward, positively or negatively. What I remember, subconsciously or not, reflects my personality and shapes my life. Or maybe my personality dictates what I choose to
remember.”
In this exhibition I Recall, she explores her childhood memories and recent recollections and has created Art Objects recalling A Dream, A Face and A Fragmented Memory Collection.
In February of this year, several eO members partook in an event run by Browns Cows Art Projects in Gosford CBD, entitled the space between words. A local video documentary team produced a DVD of the event, which incorporated LED light text and performance pieces from a few different artists. Below are some screencaptures taken from the DVD of artists during their performances...
Betty Saez
Neil Berecry Brown
Fiona Doyle and Lisa Doyle
Sharyn Walker and Jieon Lee
More details (and images) of the event can be found at Backpage
While the Kvinna, Nainen of Finland, Sweden work hard to curate the exhibition - here is a preview of the Australian eO contribution.....
eO Gallery
Fiona Doyle
FREDRIKA RUNEBERG - WOMAN FOR HER TIME AND SOCIAL ACTIVIST (1807-1879)
Fredrika Runeberg, née Tengström, is known for being the wife of Finnish national poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg, but she was also one of the most accomplished women
of her time. In addition to being an author, she is considered to be the first female newspaper reporter in Finland. In Porvoo, she established a women's association and a school for destitute girls, also writing opinion pieces about women's issues, art and language issues.
The year 2007 marks the 200th anniversary of Fredrika Runeberg's birth, wich Porvoo will celebrate by holding celebrations on Runeberg Day, February 5, and her birthday, September 2. An exhibition opens at the Home of J.L. Runeberg Museum in late spring, running until the end of 2007. Link
eO members are proud to be a part of the Kvinna!Nainen!Woman! the theme being 'self portrait':
'The idea is to gather self-portraits from women from all over the world, independent of nationality, language, age, or (arts-) education and show these in an exciting and, for Pargas, different exhibition, that celebrates diversity and shows different approaches to art. For this reason, all entrants will be accepted. Some of the artworks will be selected and hung in a ‘traditional’ way, while others will become part of a strong installation that will fill one (or more) of the gallery spaces. The hanging of works will be handled in an indiscriminative way; the work of professional artists will not be prioritized to the works of so called ‘amateur artists’. ' Sandra Nyberg (Curator).
eO artist Robyn Wainman and family have recently returned from a backpacking trip to Vietnam.
In this emailed "postcard", Robyn makes comment on Vietnam's contemporary art culture and in particular, the work of twin brothers Le Ngoc ThanH and Le Duc Hai. Their work can be found here
"Tamara Lempicka appropriations and any other painting you may want - all over Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) - you walk into the galleries and see the artists reproducing from a meagre post card size!
Away from Saigon (the Copy City) there are brilliant artists being shown in galleries
in the funniest locations - conceptual and bloody brilliant artists - with massive accreditations and European exhibitions under there belts. I have been blown away with the contemporary works (many in lacquer work) that are shown in down town poverty areas.
The starting prices are not cheap (approx $900 US for 1mt sq. as an average), but that is before haggling for a 'happy' price! - that is 'happy for them and happy for us"!
There has been many works that I would have haggled for at another time. The Vietnamese artist works are so out there, but when you meet the artist, they are ordinary, and usually middle aged, simple 'males' who must be considered radical amongst there own. I did not come across a female artist, but that doesn't surprise
me as the female is still a second class citizen in Vietnam, and lesser than all if she is the mother of daughters only! Even now, the doctors lie to pregnant mums about the sex of their babies until they are into their seventh month if they
are carrying a girl baby, to avoid abortion - as they are 'women without voice' if they don't first bear a son. Many times over the last three weeks I have been congratulated on my 'powerful voice', as the mother of two sons! - if only they knew!!
In Saigon we met a professor of social (something), who lectures in Australia and England on the inequality of Vietnamese females and socialist doctrines that could bring about his assassination if it wasn't for the powerful few that he has in his pocket.
The dramatic difference in the social equality explodes as you travel from north to south. The people in the north are decades behind those in the south, with a visible difference in each province. The people have put the war behind them, but those in the rural north would have no comprehension of what has been gained in the south. Our last day in ‘Nam took us to the 'Remnant Museum' - a strange name for a mainly photographic recollection of the atrocities of the war. There is little reference to
Australia’s contribution - it is the US who altered the destiny of Vietnam - the US have a lot to answer for, as we know, but when seen graphically depicted, as this museum does, there remains so many unanswered questions.
Getting heavy now - change of subject…….."
Caterina van Hemessen
Self Portrait
1548
oil on canvas
Offentliche Kunstsammlung, Basil
eO members have been invited to contribute self portraits to an international exhibition for women to be held in Finland in June –
KVINNA!
NAINEN!
WOMAN!
Translations:
Kvinna is Swedish for Woman
Nainen is Finnish for Woman
The first self-directed workshop will be held on 6th of May from 11am to 3.30pm with a possibility of another one a fortnight later.
Cost is $10 which covers tea, coffee, facilities, postage and administration.
This is an opportunity to socialise with other artists while enjoying our art practise.
If you cannot make the workshop but would like to contribute, please contact me for further details.
Spots are limited so book soon to avoid disappointment.
For more details please phone Sharyn Walker on 0403395297 or email @ eo_inc.hotmail.com
eO will have a representative at the next meeting of "Spaces and Places", Tuesday 24th April (for more information, go to Backpage), as Gosford Council prepares a report for a “Cultural Spaces and Places Framework”.
If you would like to contribute ideas, comments etc. please email me or post a comment here.
Nature - Naturally
Renate Leyer captures her personal response with this new body of work to be exhibited 20 to 22 April, The Studio Gallery, Gosford Regional Art Gallery - 36 Webb St, East Gosford.
Opening Friday 6.30pm
enquiries: rleyer@tac.com.au
Reef
Poppies
The Habitat
Garden Space
Rock Erosion
Joe and Josephine consider Kiera O'Toole's ash-filled artwork Something that Once Was Opening night of Re-VIEW - Memories Reframed
photo F.Doyle
From the observed deterioration of the memory to sweet recollections of childhood encounters, each box projects personal yet collectively familiar stories.
Fourteen eO artists compose their own narrative on Memory and Reframe in sixteen clear perspex boxes.
Opening night was celebrated with family, friends and lovers of contemporary art and many artists were commended on concepts and execution. eO inc. would especially like to thank the following for their support during this exhibition:
Liam, Khara and Grace
Newview Gallery, Newtown
.
Adam and Ross
Courthouse Hotel, Newtown
.
Craig
Formation Signs and Plastics
Chittaway Point
.
www.artwhatson.com.au
.
Ricardo Saez
Saez Network Solutions
Bateau Bay
Re-VIEW runs until April 8,
Newview Gallery
277 Australia St
Newtown
Exhibition of paintings by Karen Williams & Pam Walsh available for viewing
Tuesday 27th March until Sunday 8th April 2007
at
Shorethyme Restaurant
9 Mitchell Street, Norah Head, Central Coast, NSW.
Open times –
6pm Tuesday to Sunday
9am to 2pm Sunday
(welcome to view art only from around 2pm to open times Tuesday to Saturday)
bookings to eat at restaurant Ph. 02 43964507
Sandra Walsh, Crypsis and Mimicry
All welcome to eO's opening night.
Re - VIEW
(memories reframed)
6pm
Thur 29th March
2007
Newview Gallery
277 Australia St
Newtown, Sydney
Come and join the celebration of contemporary art with fourteen Central Coast Artists.
For further details contact Fiona Doyle or Betty Saez at eo_inc@hotmail.com.
Exhibition runs from 27 March to April 8
Gaye Merrylees, Time Deleted
St. Patrick's Parade, Dublin
Liz (centre) with her friends and flatmates Steph and Marie
I know that it has been awhile since I have written a journal entry, but the past two weeks have been rather eventful – and not all to do with my studies. Firstly though, I will update you one how my studies have been going.
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Last week, practical wise, I had a refresher in the technical side of photography. Claire, the photography lecturer, spent the afternoon with me showing me how to set up professional lighting, to do a meter, how to do effects with brollies, etc. It was a very interesting afternoon, and allowed me to think more about the technical aspects of how to achieve my practical goals. At the moment, with reference to my theory, I feel that using photography as a documenting process for my ideas is the way to pursue my prac ideas.
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In regards to theory, I had another meeting with Griselda, and discussion was raised in consideration to the fine line drawn between identity and subjectivity. In the Collins Online Dictionary, identity means – ‘the state of having unique identifying characteristics held by no other person or thing’, or ‘the individual characteristics
by which a person or thing is recognized’, whilst subject (in reference to a person) means – ‘that which thinks or feels as opposed to the object of thinking and feeling; the self or the mind’, or ‘a substance as opposed to it’s attributes’. Within my own research I view identity as that with which I am labeled socially, such as woman, white, disabled, short, etc; the subject, however, I consider as being my self, my inside, the experience of my embodiment. It is through subjectivity that artists such as Hannah Wilke, Jo Spence, Mary Duffy and Alison Lapper have managed to express the experiences of their embodiment, the attempted destruction of the object by becoming the subject.
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I plan to begin writing my dissertation proposal these holidays, as I am writing it I intend to contribute more diary entries, in an attempt to draw discussion into my work, please feel free to comment on my research – I am curious as to what other people think on the subject.
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Now, onto the reason my journal entries have not been frequent. I have gone into holiday mode this past week and that included a weekend away to Dublin, Ireland. I got to see the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, which was so much fun, and of course, drink way to much Guinness. I would recommend everyone go to Dublin – it is my new favorite city. Whilst there I was also privileged to see The Book of Kells, which is housed in Trinity College, it was fascinating to see; the detail in the illustrations and the neatness of the writing and the age of the book gave me goose bumps. I am back in Leeds now, and unfortunately am paying for my all night Guinness binge, because I am suffering from a cold. So lots of sleeping at the moment and not much work done, Dublin was worth every second though.
Liz
"develop a connection to spirit through art and meditation"
Sandra McArthur offers a fun learning environment while developing confidence in expression and connection to spirit.
Courses offered:
Listening to your intuition using art and meditation
Mondays 10am-12 Wamberal Surf Club
$200 for 9 week course
.
Journey to self through colour and creation
Tuesdays 10am-12, Gnostic School of Higher Learning, Woy Woy
.
Centred Self Healing
Wednesdays 10am-12, Killarney Vale
$220 for a 9 week course.
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Kids' Art Classes
Terrigal Primary School
3.15-4.15pm
$153 per term, 9 weeks.
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For more information please contact Sandra McArthur on 4384 7767 or 0402 050901
or email arts_sandra@yahoo.com.au
web address www.sandramaree.com.au
Congratulations to Dawne Fahey for the acceptance of two photographs, Daily Exercise (seen above) and Ryan Flies a Kite with Dad, into the Moran Photography Prize and Exhibition. Dawne also received two "silvers" in the AIPP State Awards.
Good Luck Dawne !
Moran Prizes Website
My experience at Leeds University is proving to be challenging and motivating, particularly in regards to the writing of my dissertation. I’ve been extremely lucky to be allocated Griselda Pollock as my supervisor whilst here and she has been extremely encouraging in the direction that I take my research in not only my dissertation, but also my practical work.
Here is her research biography from the Leeds University website – Griselda Pollock's main research interests are in the issues of gender, race and class in the formations of modernism in late nineteenth century Europe and America;the history of women in the visual arts with a current project focusing on femininity, representation and modernity 1928-1968; the work of Vincent van Gogh; women's cinema 1940-9; the legend of Tarzan: myths of empire, identity and place, contemporary visual arts by women. Major research supervision is offered in cultural studies, art history, film studies and feminist studies in the visual arts. Her new research areas include issues of trauma, history and memory after the Holocaust and Jewish Art and Modernity.
My research is dealing with the representation of women with disabilities in the Visual Arts, and with Griselda’s prominent knowledge in feminist studies (I am currently reading three books written by her), her supervision has been priceless. How, you may ask? Well, when I first arrived here in Leeds, I admit I felt a little lost in direction, yet after my talk to her, she encouraged a lateral look at my research. This means the investigating of other minority/oppressed groups in society, and exploring how artists in these groups represent the embodiment of their experience/situation within a bodily/self context. For my own research, this has proved quite interesting, as the disabled body is considered all body and therefore viewed as asexual, uninteresting and repugnant. This is far from reality however.
I am still heavily reading on topics to do with my research – topics such as: embodiment, definition of self/body, expression of the body, performance work within art practice and body art. I am also currently looking at artists such as Hannah Wilke, Jo Spence, Alison Lapper and Mary Duffy. These are artists that deal with the female experience through the context of the body, and I am particularly interested in the last two as they are artists who deal with their disabled experience through their art practice. Hopefully in a few weeks I can write a more comprehensive profile of my research, as I am only now beginning to gather my ideas and make sense of the thoughts that are directing me towards performance and body art. So yes, when I return to Australia, prepare for a work of performance!
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth Wright, Central Coast Artist, eO member and Superb Personality, is currently undertaking Bachelor of Fine Art Honours (Newcastle University) and as a part of this course is studying at the School of Fine Art, History of Art & Cultural Studies (Link) which is situated in Leeds, UK.
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The following is an excerpt from a letter from Liz which begins her three month diary on her studies and experiences as an artist in Leeds.
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Next week: ' comprehensive detail of my research'
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I have been busy. The time is going too quickly - I can't believe I have been here nearly 6weeks now. My house is a lovely old Victorian place, with three stories and a cellar. My flatmate's and I only occupy the bottom floor however, the other levels are empty. My room is big and roomy. I am at the front of the house, so I have a lovely large bay window in my bedroom. My flatmates are fantastic. There is Marie from Denmark, Marie from America, Stephanie from Canada and Isa, Kathy and Nina from Germany.
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The university is lovely and well situated. It is only a fifteen minute walk from the city centre, a five minute walk from our house and the campus isn't too big.
The lecturers have been amazing, they are so helpful and passionate about their work. I am doing a second year studio module (because the fourth years are organizing their final year shows and therefore I couldn't really be involved), and I am doing my dissertation module. My supervisor is Griselda Pollock - she is rather famous over here for her feminist writings and she is a fountain of knowledge and has inspired me to think outside the square in regards to my research.
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Elizabeth Wright.
MEMORIES REFRAMED
MEMORY FRAGMENTS / FRAGMENTED MEMORY
(ENCASED)
NEWVIEW GALLERY
277 AUSTRALIA STREET
NEWTOWN
27 MARCH 2007 TO 8 APRIL 2007
William Merrylees
Fiona Doyle
.
Norma Dunston
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Dawne Fahey
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Terry Jackson
.
Josephine Laina
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Helena Lewerenz
.
Renate Leyer
.
Gaye Merrylees
.
William Merrylees
.
Kiera O'Toole
.
Suzanne Robertson
.
Betty Saez
.
Sharyn Walker
.
Sandra Walsh
With special thanks to Craig at Formation Signs and Plastic
