Lama Glama Rama: January 2017

You know how it feels to become dependent on a place or an activity, like regularly going to a favorite cafe or constantly checking your phone for new messages or Facebook posts? Well, that's how I feel about GOMA. I ask myself, what did I do before Brisbane got it's own gallery of modern art?

Well, since my teenage years, I have always loved visiting the Queensland Art Gallery for a regular dose of visual delight and philosophical reflection. But how lucky I felt when GOMA opened in 2006, effectively doubling the space in which I could wander and ponder. My little country-town Brisbane seemed to suddenly grow up, culturally, at least.

A multitude of artworks have whet my appetite over the years: from traditional to contemporary, large to small, pleasurable to challenging, particularly since GOMA opened, where modern and contemporary works have been showcased in a space designed to fulfill the requirements of contemporary practices.

The internal architecture is vast, open and light, looking out onto a panoramic view of Brisbane city, the Kurilpa bridge and the river. It's like a contemporary cathedral with its high ceilings and due to it's accommodating floor plan is able to house very large pieces, including an entire eucalyptus tree that lay across the front atrium as part of the installation 'Falling Back to Earth' by Cai Guo-Qiang.

'Eucalypt' 2013 (photo: QAGOMA photography)

'Heritage' 2013 (photo: QAGOMA photography)

Cai Guo-Qiang's 'Falling Back to Earth' was one of my favorite shows at GOMA, shown in 2013. 'Heritage', one of five parts of this exhibition, in essence, represents an idealized, harmonious society, where various species sipping from the one lake (inspired by Brown Lake on our nearby Stradbroke Island), represent harmonious multiculturalism. The artist states, 'When I first conceived this work I thought it would be related to environmental issues that we have here on Earth. But once the work was finished I realized that it relates to broader issues, such as our position within the universe'.

Kathy Temin's 'My Monument: White Forest' was an installation that I had the pleasure of experiencing in 2009. To walk through a three dimensional, all-white synthetic forest effectively transported my mind back to childhood, with my imagination taking over and blurring my existence in reality. The trees themselves appeared to be made from cotton-wool that almost encouraged you to wrap your arms around and cuddle them.

My Monument: White Forest, 2009
Photos courtesy of Rob, Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/zzrbell/

Another indulgent installation currently on display as part of the 10 year retrospective show 'Sugar Spin' is work of Icelandic artist Hrafnhildur Arnardottir's (aka Shoplifter) 'Nervescape V', 2016, made of neon-colored clumps of synthetic hair that spread across large expanses of the gallery walls and drape down onto the floor, like a vine that has taken over and threatens to consume the sparse white walls. Where Kathy Temin's work does not allow a tactile experience, due to well-known institutional regulations - 'do not touch the artwork', this work allows visitors a sensory indulgence that goes beyond a simple aesthetic appreciation, to one that permits you to literally feel the work, on a more than emotional level.

Nervescape V, 2016
(Photo:QAGOMA photography)

The 'Sugar Spin' title of the current exhibition reminds me of the method of producing fairy floss that was once part of the fairground experience, evoking memories of childhood, the enjoyment of sweets, treats and play before responsibility became our main reason for existence in later life. The works in this exhibition allow us to consider various themes and works are organized under headings including Sweetmelt, Blackwater, Soaring, Treasure, and Cosmos, exploring our mixed bag of cultural memories, traditions, family ties, dreams and disasters, work and play, from simple to complex subject matters.

Carsten Holler's 'Left/Right Slide' 2010, allows visitors of all ages to partake in a bit of play and slide down either chute, reminding us of Alice falling down the rabbit hole to a place of wonder and curiosity, as we slide into a similar experience within the gallery space.

Right/Left Slide (Photo QAGOMA Photography)

Another work in the current exhibition is a beautiful monumental piece, 'Lightning for Neda', (2009) by 92 year old Iranian artist Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian who, with the assistance of Iranian craftsman, Hajji Ostad Mohammad Navid, has created this magnificent mosaic using the traditional Islamic technique 'Ayeneh Kari', whereby mirrors are cut into a multitude of small shapes and placed into decorative patterns over relief plaster. Using Islamic mathematical principles and incorporating contemporary artistic practices from other cultures and Western geometric abstraction, she offers a new perspective to the traditional ancient aesthetics. For example, the hexagon, an element of the design, is traditionally representative of the six directions of motion (up, down, left, right, front, back) and the six virtues (generosity, patience, determination, insight and compassion) and the title pays homage to Neda Soltani, a 16 year old student girl killed in pro-democracy protests in Tehran in 2009 and so the work speaks of the country's political turmoil while reminding us of virtuous ideals.

'Lightning for Neda' 2009 (Photo: QAGOMA photography)

featuring Ross Brownsdon

with Nat Paton (b Ross Brownson)

Generally speaking, it would appear that the more large-scale, expansive or vivid works are the ones that take my fancy, though there are some of a more fragile or traditional nature as well. In any case, they have all left me buzzing with excitement and inspiration and there are many others that I haven't the space or time to include here.

One of the more delicate installations is by Fiona Hall, called 'Tender', 1999, in which she has painstakingly created replicas of bird nests out of shredded US dollar bills. The word 'Tender' has a double meaning in this context, one related to fragile emotions and the other to the practicality of economy and trade. This work comes under the theme of 'Treasure' and we are reminded of values that are not based on economic currency but more on delicate and intricate forms in nature, or spiritual and emotional connections.

Tender, 2010. (Photo QAGOMA photography)

Whilst on the subject of birds, currently showing is a work by musician and composer, Céleste Boursier-Mougenot 'from here to ear (v 13)', 2010. This work incorporates the conditions for experiencing contemplative mindfulness, including live finches, a tangle of coat hanger perches and a sparse, minimal landscape. When each of the birds sits upon a coat hanger a simple, deep, electronic sound is produced. With regards to the music, the artist states, 'music, produced live and where we are present, is among the phenomena which have the property of amplifying our feeling of the present moment'.

'from here to ear (v13)', 2010

The themes of mindfulness and multiculturalism also run through the work of Angelica Mesiti in her video installation 'Citizen's Band' (2010) also part of the Sugar Spin show. In an intimate, darkened space, we are witness to four short films, each of an individual migrant performing a traditional tune in their new cultural contexts: one person performs water-drumming (akutuk) in a swimming pool; the second sings a traditional folk ballad (rai) accompanied by a tune on his Casio keyboard during a train ride journey; the third uses throat singing and a traditional fiddle to create a mesmerizing sound, like nothing a Westerner could produce; and the last, a world champion whistler, whistles a beautiful Sudanese tune as he awaits customers for his taxi. All four elements are then combined to create a single, united multicultural sound and one that I highly recommend as a meditative distraction from the hustle and bustle of a hectic, noisy world.

Citizen's Band

Lara Favaretto's 'Gummo IV', 2012 was another favorite of mine in the 'Sculpture is Everything' show in 2012. In this piece, the artist has appropriated car wash brushes, removing them from their regular use to find a new, absurd role. Each brush spins in succession, offering us a mesmerizing and thoroughly original encounter, encouraging us to be imaginative about everyday objects and their potential uses.

Gummo IV (photo QAGOMA Photograph)

And, lastly, I'll make mention of the work of one of my favorite artists, who's work was shown at GOMA in 2011-2012. 'Look now, see forever' showed paintings, videos, installations, and sculptures by Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama's, who's style is very distinctive in it's use of dots, vivid color and gloss. It is generally very happy work to experience, though the artist herself lives in a psychiatric hospital, suffering from 'rijin'sho', or denationalization syndrome, and she uses art as therapy to communicate the 'dotty' hallucinations. Her dots are placed in rhythmic patterns and her colors are bright. Contrasting color combinations sometimes create visual vibrations and psychedelic effects. Her show also included a popular children's interactive space 'the obliteration room' where visitors could participate in obliterating the white walls with a multitude of colorful, sticker dots.

Yayoi Kusama (photo QAGOMA Photography)

Obliteration Room (Photo: QAGOMA Photography)

I am pleased to say, that, thanks to GOMA (and the QAG) I don't necessarily have to travel very far to get a glimpse at some wonderful shows, which have included superstar retrospectives of artists such as Cindy Sherman (the New York based photographer), David Lynch (the renowned film-maker), Valentino (the fashion designer), and of course, our own Asia-Pacific Triennial, to name but a few.

To sum up, I recommend that you take a look at the programs on offer at GOMA and the Queensland Art Gallery and make your way there for a contemplative journey into what makes our society tick. There are many diverse exhibitions, performances, movies, evening musical performances, child and adult activities. There is bound to be something for everyone to enjoy.

Sugar Spin is a free exhibition that runs until the 17th April 2017.

QAGOMA website: https://www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/

Nick Cave's 'Heard' part of 'Sugar Spin' exhibition
(photo: QAGOMA Photography)

If you believe numerology or astrology, this year is a good year for new beginnings. It is certainly true for my life. Out with the old, in with the new.

2016 began as a miserable year for me. But thankfully, the difficulties I faced have paved the way for travel in an entirely new direction. I have concentrated my time on changing my thoughts and behaviors to set goals, improve physical fitness and emotional resilience.

2017, therefore, will be a year for casting aside anything that hasn't worked well for me, and embracing anything that will enhance my future and fit with my new plans. I have a bucket list and I intend to start crossing off some experiences. This will be a year of firsts. For one thing, this is my first attempt at a blog. So, beware!

Most importantly, I made the decision to leave a job that was really getting me down: it's really unpleasant, to say the least, to go to work everyday and be surrounded by other chronically miserable people who also feel trapped in a demanding and unfulfilling role, so burned out that any leisure time is wasted just trying to catch a breath or drown some sorrows. It's not sustainable. I am releasing myself from a life that had become somewhat lifeless. I have contemplated work that might better suit my personality and lifestyle choices in the future. The future, by the way, is now! I've realized that I'm running out of sand in this hypothetical hourglass.

I've been fortunate to have time to think, plan for the new year and consider short-term and long-term goals. I need to feel alive again and work toward something that I feel passionate about, now that I remember what that is, including the determination to experience new adventures and challenges.

So, it seemed appropriate that, for new year's day, I head to the Woodford Folk Festival, something I've always wanted to do but have never made time for. It was a wonderfully cheerful, peaceful and reflective way to open this new year and new chapter. The heat was rather intense, but there were many opportunities to be sprayed with a mist of water from volunteers with spray bottles or to bask under the shade of trees or inside venues. The international lineup of artist incorporated folk, rock/pop, blues/roots, first nations music, as well as dance, circus, cabaret, and comedy performances, and many lectures and workshops covering topics including astrology, health, nutrition, personal development, community, traditions, art, science, environment, survival and sustainability. There were yoga and meditation sessions, and a children's festival and many wonderful stalls with great food, clothing, jewellery, crystals and tarot, as well as offerings of massage and other therapies. One day was just not long enough to really get immersed in all that was on offer. But the spirit of the day was one of unity, collaboration, friendship, support, peace and acceptance. And, rumor has it that it is one of the cleanest and most peaceful festivals that occur in Australia. I can't mention all of the acts that were part of the lineup because there were just too many and I saw only a few perform. But I would suggest checking the program out and getting to know a few of the acts.

My main goal was to see the lantern parade and fire event that welcomes in the new year on an annual basis. The lantern parade is followed by the main fire event, which, this year, was opened by an aboriginal in traditional costume, starting a fire in the traditional manner, with sticks, tinder and breath, not matches. The story progresses to one in which two individuals from different cultures find unity though there are hardships, obstacles and destruction to overcome, including a comet that crashes to the earth destroying the village of one of the characters. This is, apparently, a story that considers the refugee crisis and aims to encourage their acceptance into our more peaceful societies, a story of humanism and compassion. The event includes two giant puppets, circus and dance performers, a large community choir and orchestra. It culminates in the fiery destruction of a huge emblem shell, atop of which opens a lotus flower signifying peace and renewal.

It is a delight to witness such visual and musical magnificence, from a grassy hillside in the cool night air as one happy reveler among many in a mesmerized crowd. It is definitely worth the expense of the ticket. It's hard to experience moments that inspire us like this these days, as they are few and far between. We tend to get bombarded with Hollywood blockbusters and their over-the-top but somewhat run-of-the-mill special effects. But it is something more special to be a part of something that is created through the blood, sweat and tears of a community. I believe we must remember to include these moments into our hectic lives, to make a real effort to find joy, as well as contribute to our communities and to humanity as a whole. It is wonderful to feel a sense of unity and a belief that everything is okay, that good people still exist, that communities still offer comfort and support to it's members and those in need. It is encouraging to be a part of an event such as this, as it offers hope and optimism for a more peaceful world. This is what I hope to remember throughout 2017. I will consciously make an effort to remember that life is not just about making money and paying bills, whilst confusing stagnation for comfort. It is about belonging and being accepted, it's about taking care of each other, of inspiring goodness in others, even while the world seems to be going a little mad. TV doesn't say much to me, except what we I don't want to hear. So I hope to remain vigilant in ensuring that what I pay attention to is going to help make my life a little happier so that I can help to spread it around.

I hope to visit Woodford again every year in my future (version 2.0) and I'll make an effort to take part in the production each year, even if it's only to make a simple lantern to include in the parade, as every small element is a sparkling little gem in the festival as a whole. Bravo Woodford. Bravo day one 2017!!

Some of my videos of the performances are viewable below. Get a glimpse and get happy!

For more information about Woodford see the links below:

The official website: www.woodfordfolkfestival.com.au

Facebook groups including Woodford Folk Festival; Woodford Folk Festival Fire Event; Woodford Folk Festival Volunteers (includes some great photo and video footage)
https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=woodford%20folk%20festival

The Sacred Labyrinth: