On men and action at Gorman
A new show by Peter Maloney and Louise Paramor is the result of a long-time friendship and mutual admiration of each other's work. But it's more than just an aesthetic pairing, CCAS says, and rather a deeper synergy based on the use of colour, composition, humour and whimsy. "The pastiche quality present in both artists' work is a key connection, however it is their mutual interest in mortality, excess and desire that really align their practices of painting, collage and assemblage." And On Men, by Dale Harding, Paul Sloan, James Tylor and Will French, is a "proud and diverse display of 21st-century masculinity". Uh oh, what could this be about? "Cultural issues surrounding male identity confront the viewer in a by challenging conventions and sharing moments of introspection," CCAS says. Tell me more. "On Men is a must-see exhibition, sensitively continuing a conversation about cultural perceptions of masculinity." Oh, this I have to see. On Men, by Dale Harding, Paul Sloan, James Tylor and Will French, and Action Stations, by Peter Maloney and Louise Paramor, are showing at Canberra Contemporary Art Space, Gorman House, 55 Ainslie Avenue, Braddon, until September 27.
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Where the bloody hell are you?
Demands the latest exhibition at CCAS in Manuka. Canberra artist Sacha Pola has placed his show on the metaphorical "heated sands of Australia's seaside", and explores "the nation's coastal heart, where its outwardly idyllic cultural identity was born and continues to be defined". "Australian Idle is a narrative told through a collection of intimate moments in Australian life revealing a broader social commentary on its cultural identity … the story of good ol' 'Straya: where billionaire bust-ups play off sapphire waters, riots take root on bleached sands and cultural icons are born and broken," the artist says. Australian Idle, by Sacha Pola, is showing at Canberra Contemporary Art Space, 19 Furneaux St, Manuka, until August 31.
One night at Leta
Local artist Katy Mutton has a survey of recent works opening this week at Leta Gallery in Mitchell, including hand-coloured lithographs, timber drawings and delicate ink works. Mutton draws on personal, human and military history in creating her thought-provoking works, some of which have already been snapped up by the Australian War Memorial to form part of the national collection. One Night Only, by Katy Mutton, opens at Leta Gallery + Project Space, 2/23 Buckland Street, Mitchell, on August 27.
Good leaders
What makes a good leader in the arts, and how do you go about finding, growing and keeping such leaders? The Childers Group is tackling these big issues in a half-day forum on Monday, September 1, 12pm-5pm at the Canberra Theatre Centre and Canberra Museum and Gallery. Speakers include directors of several key arts organisations in Canberra, and other prominent figures in the arts. Tickets $100/$75. For more information, see childersgroup.com.au.
Inflorescent beliefs at Beaver
Two new shows have just opened at Beaver Galleries: Canberra artist Dianne Fogwell presents recent paintings and works on paper inspired by daily observations of Australian flora and fauna, "creating almost hallucinatory and dreamlike imagery of often unnoticed elements in the landscape". And Nick Wirdnam's glass sculptures incorporate "a language of recurring symbols and motifs often associated with good fortune, hope and consolation". Inflorescence, by Dianne Fogwell, and Beliefs, by Nick Wirdnam, are showing at Beaver Galleries, 81 Denison Street, Deakin, until September 9.
On the horizon
Glass artist Lisa Cahill has a show on at Bilk Gallery, where she is also a co-director. Her work includes wall panels and sculpture exploring "the visual line that divides the earth and sky". Cahill is interested in "light and space, time and memory ... Intense colour, translucency and captured light combine to evoke notions of an ephemeral landscape and encourage one to consider the transitory nature of human existence." On the Horizon, by Lisa Cahill, is showing at Bilk Gallery, Palmerston Lane, Manuka, until September 20.
Vale Peter Sculthorpe
He was one helluva figure in Australia's musical canon. To celebrate his work, the National Portrait Gallery is screening The Australian Biography Series – Peter Sculthorpe: Composer (1999), directed by Robin Hughes, a film that reveals "the strong influence that Australian history and its landscape had on Sculthorpe's work, how he expressed significant events in his life and his determination to create the perfect work of art". The Australian Biography Series – Peter Sculthorpe: Composer (1999), is showing today, Saturday August 23 at 3pm. Entry is free.
Out there in Watson
Continuing a grand, almost 70-year tradition, the Canberra Photographic Society is showing its annual Out There exhibition, with a wide range of photographs by old and new members, both new-fangled and old-school in style, technique and subject matter. "The exhibition title is intended to reflect the way that photographers and photographic artists actively go 'out there' beyond their local surroundings, and often beyond their comfort zones, in search of images that reflect their personal interests and ideas," says the society. Out There, by the Canberra Photographic Society, is showing at Watson Arts Centre, Aspinall Street, Watson, until August 31.
Sounds of Oz
The National Film and Sound Archive has launched its annual search for the next round of sounds to be added to the official Sounds of Australia register, and needs your help. The register is a collection of sound recordings with cultural, historical and aesthetic significance for Australia that, taken together, represent us as a nation. The sounds can be popular songs, ads, famous speeches, radio broadcasts – anything that's more than 10 years old, really. To nominate a new sound recording to be added, see nfsa.gov.au. Nominations close September 9, and an expert panel with then choose 10 new sounds to add to the register.
Pocket Lonsdale
It's really all happening over on Lonsdale Street, isn't it? Students of the Pocket Studio, run by silversmith and jeweller Alison Jackson, came to the medium with little or no knowledge to begin crafting their very first piece of jewellery, spoon or copper bowl. In the interim, they have honed their skills to the point that they are ready to show the world what they can do, in Out of Pocket, an exhibition of their best work curated by Jackson and showing this weekend at POD, Lonsdale St Traders, 27 Lonsdale St, Braddon, until August 24.
