WE WILL KNOW WHEN WE GET THERE.
My solo exhibition at the new BLOCK PROJECTS space was held during the later part of the Melbourne summer and was attended by the usual suspects and a broad array of people who know me, know art, know Melbourne, know stuff and wish to know more. It was a good opening function and I thank Block Projects gallery for the great space and the jolly function. Please visit the gallery website to see available works.
Carolina and I have stayed in a few places in Victoria recently as I navigate the numerous activities I must undertake in this part of the world. We have been extremely lucky regarding the locations and the very different architectural styles of dwellings we have spent time working and socialising in. All have kept the unpredictable climate of Melbourne from cooking or chilling us. "Location, location, location.." as they say in the real estate world. From a rustic country dwelling next to a river in Jameison to a fabulous and smart residency flat at the Australian Print Workshop in Fitzroy as well as a marvellously designed town house in Port Melbourne where we watched cruise ship after cruise ship dock at the pier nearby.
While in Melbourne I was invited to spend some a few days at my old art School as a casual visiting artist/lecturer. The Victorian College of the Arts has grown somewhat in size, shape and the speed that it operates at since I attended there a few decades ago but it still is a wonderful institution where art of all forms is taught, made and talked about. It was most interesting to make contact with young students and some of the current teachers on campus and I hope that I was a worthwhile part-time positive insertion into the fluid and busy curriculum.
Just across the Yarra river from the VCA I saw another form of local student activity. A colourful political street march. Melbourne has a long history of street protests and we were able to see one in full swing. I did not count the number of protesters but it was a massive turnout of young students all very angry about the environment on a global level. They strongly reminded politicians via their placards that "THERE IS NO PLANET B" and we should all get our priorities right "PLANET NOT PROFIT." I applaud all those students!