This morning I was summoned to the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) which I must admit wasn’t a top priority having had a particularly big weekend. Besides in terms of art while I can probably recognise an Andy Worhol, Pablo Picasso or a Jackson Pollack that’s about my limit. Brancusi sounds like a health conscious bruschetta and Chirico one of those chocolate dipped Mexican donut treats, or are they Spanish? I’ll ponder that later. Meanwhile I have to say the visit to AGWA had me pondering …
To begin with Dr Stefano Carboni, Director of the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA), revealed that this winter Perth streets would come alive with New York’s vibrant culture. I for one say yay!, or should that be ‘cool’, ‘rad’, ‘brill’, or perhaps an unperceivable nod of the head is more appropriate. Okay clearly I’ll have to work on my New York cool … a lot!
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| Andy Warhol (American, 1928 to 87) Self Portrait 1966 © 2012 Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York |
You may have read that in an exclusive partnership between AGWA and the MoMA, Perth will present six unique exhibitions over the next three years. Just like the highly successful Princely Treasures, Perth will be the only venue in the nation to display these iconic works. Woohoo, oh sorry …cool man!
I was pleased to see that the series extends beyond the Masters (blasphemy I know), to include black and white photographs of New York. The six events are:
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| The Ponder Room |
- Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters (e.g. Worhol, Pollock, Picasso, Matisse)
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Picturing New York: Photographs from the Museum of Modern Art
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Van Gogh to Richter: People places things (working title)
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Contemporary Encounters (working title)
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Counter Space: Design and the Modern Kitchen
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Masterpieces of Post Impressionism (working title)
‘It is a privilege and an honour for AGWA to partner with the MoMA and be the only gallery in the Southern hemisphere to host these extraordinary exhibitions,’ Stefano said adding that it’s also ‘a bit scary’.
Culture and Arts Minister John Day opened the first exhibition Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters (which runs from June 16 – December 3rd) and explained that the experience will go beyond an exhibition to include a Manhattan Bar offering a taste of New York. Now you’re talking!
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| John Day The Ponder Room |
‘The partnership between AGWA and MoMA will see Perth’s Cultural Centre transformed into a hub of bustling activity, inspired by the cultural vibrancy of New York … In addition the exhibition series will offer a complete New York experience for all ages with entertainment, music food, shopping and the exclusive Manhattan-inspired Bar,’ Mr Day said.
The AGWA Nights at the Gallery will be held every Friday night from 5pm. Prefect timing now that the Festival Gardens and the Rooftop Movies have closed.
For the marketing conscious amongst us the advertising concept stemmed from the idea of how New Yorkers would feel if their iconic Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) went on tour.
‘This idea quite literally pays homage to the enormous pride and value that New Yorkers place in MoMA and their city’s cultural scene. While MoMA visits Perth, New York’s momentary loss is Perth’s gain,’ Stefano said.
No doubt I’ll be explaining more over the coming months but at the moment, like me you may want to start pondering …
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How to clear some space in your diary to experience at least one of the Friday nights at AGWA. Word of warning: The opening night has already sold out.
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Just what is the cool thing to say at artsy events these days? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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They’re also looking for volunteers. If you’re interested phone 94926640 or go to http://www.artgallery.wa.gov.au/
