Multidisciplinary artist Brook Andrew's The Right To Offend Is Sacred is an exploration of many of his new and majorly significant past sculptural works, responses to issues of racial identity politics in a voice that speaks for the marginalised many. His use of neon lights in particular draws strange and haunting parallels to what one would imagine a Vegas strip to be - the incongruity of this (both literally and figuratively) flashy medium matched with the sombreness of his message is both sharp and sobering; the resulting atmosphere is one that I recommend should be experienced alone. Take your time walking through this exhibition, past the newspaper clippings, old magazines and collages, the portraits and larger-than-life sculptures, and pay close attention to the stories being told before you.
SPENCERONI - INTIMATE ENCOUNTERS
Exploring the lovers' gaze with thick, curving lines and distinct cut-out shapes in summery 80s hues, Spenceroni's latest exhibition is a feast for the eyes. Free to the public and running for another week in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, spend your lunch break strolling by the Matisse-esque prints and fun sculptures. You'll soon find yourself falling into memories of fragile, tender moments with kindred souls - these artworks will quickly wind their way into your heart.
NO VACANCY GALLERY
FREE ADMISSION
ENDS FEB 12
11AM - 5PM MON-SAT
12PM - 5PM SUN
DAVID HOCKNEY
You can't really help but think of David Hockney as the millennial's impressionist - digital brushstrokes gentle yet purposeful, blown up to large scale proportions, colour shrouding the viewer as you take a stroll through the gallery like it's some MS Paint forest. The intersection of nature and our current technological age takes prevalence in Hockney's work, a good-natured nod to the simple, observant sensibilities of someone who hasn't necessarily grown up with the wonders of the iThis and iThat - but is nonetheless excited and curious about the possibilities they present. He takes care to examine his own artistic process, playing with mediums and different formats when presenting his work - the lines between WIP and final artwork are blurred, as screens throughout the gallery play looping videos of his work being created stroke-by-stroke.
NGV INTERNATIONAL
CONCESSION $23.50 / ADULT $26
ENDS MAR
10AM - 5PM DAILY
SEEKING COMMON GROUND
While everyone's frothing over the NGV's current Viktor&Rolf exhibition (as they rightly should be), let's not forget that those of us running low on coin can still enjoy the free charms the establishment has to offer.
Cue Common Ground - a modern medley of contemporary artworks from the NGV's permanent collection, spanning across all types of artistic mediums and united thematically in categories like "anthopomorphism" and "time". The unique layout of the exhibition space alone is enough to pique gallery-goer curiosity - and make sure you take a closer look at the Tracey Emin neon piece; it's backstory is not one to be missed.
NGV INTERNATIONAL
FREE ENTRY
ENDS FEB
10AM - 5PM DAILY
JEFF KOONS - NOW
Blue mascara, lace, sequins and penis. Giant inflatable blue metallic monkey. The latest Jeff Koons exhibition at Newport Street Gallery was definitely worth the confusing trip on public transport from our home base in Shoreditch (not actually that confusing, we're just foreigners).
Koons' series of inflatables was breathtaking, with bold colours, shapes and textures recalling themes of artifice that seemed to burst forward in real time. Gleaming surfaces abound, Koons' deceptive use of aluminium is an astounding practice spanned over up to 20 years on some pieces, including the vibrant Play-Doh (1994 - 2014). The grand scale of many of his pieces renders audiences helplessly stunned, and you simply can't help but leave the short yet sweet exhibition bubbling with pleasure at having just witnessed such a grandiose, visually exciting show.
The Jeff Koons: Now exhibition is showing at Newport Street Gallery, London until October 16th 2016.