Here at alluxia, we are addicted to Instagram. While we follow a lot of travel and foodie types one of our favourite people to follow is artist Vincent Fantauzzo. Fantauzzo is an Australian painter renowned for his portrait work including the 2008 Archibald Portrait Prize of the late Heath Ledger, which won him the runner-up and the People’s Choice award as well as last year’s entry of his partner Asher Keddie.
Dark Mofo is back, and it promises to be ‘colder’ and ‘darker’ than last year’s inaugural event. Tasmania’s premier winter festival returns in June, embracing the dark and reinvigorating the city through a packed program of art, food and music.
Cai Guo-Qiang: Falling Back to EarthGallery of Modern Art, Brisbaneuntil 11 May 2014Run, don’t walk to Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art if you’re yet to see Cai Guo-Qiang: Falling Back to Earth.
Art Series Hotel Group are set to open a new property in Bendigo, recently announcing Mark Schaller as the namesake artist. The hotel's official name is 'The Schaller Studio' and is due to open in May 2014. Schaller, a well-respected Melbourne based artist, was a founding member of the ROAR studios in Melbourne; a bold group of artists united by their interests in Expressionism and Primitivism. He works fluently across a variety of art forms including sculpture, ceramics, and painting. As a dynamic, mid-career contemporary artist, Schaller has exhibited broadly in Australia and has represented Australia in exhibitions at the Australian embassies in Singapore and in Tokyo. His work is held in key state collections at the National Gallery of Australia and the National Gallery of Victoria as well as numerous private collections. Schaller’s work will manifest in many forms throughout the hotel, from original paintings in each room, wooden, steel and bronze sculptures throughout the garden and an eight meter high mosaic on the entrance wall to the hotel. Many of the works will draw inspiration from Bendigo town and the surrounding region. The Schaller Studio will be the first Art Series Studio hotel launched by the Art Series Hotel Group. Art Series Studios are a unique art inspired hotel experience in a compact affordable format. Mark Schaller has been closely involved in the design process of The Schaller Studio, each workspace receiving a special Schaller touch. Beyond their workspaces, guests will be treated to edgy communal spaces including book shelves filled with art journals, books and art utensils, as well as individual spaces for quiet reflection and creative work. The Pantry will offer an in house dining experience focusing on regional fare, offering food for thought and grazing type meals. For guests looking to venture further afield, yellow classic Dutch Lekker bicycles, scooters and Smart Cars will be available for hire. Staff at The Schaller Studio will be fully trained by Art Series Hotel Group’s art curator and be able to offer informative tours of the hotel while offering the best insights to cultural experiences available in the city’s centre. Art classes will be available on site, regular artisan markets will be held, public art displays will feature and interactive art experiences highlighting Bendigo and Melbourne’s creative works will be on constant offer.
Strictly Ballroom tangoed its way into our hearts in the early 90’s with its truckload of sequins, feathers, spangly catsuits (and that was just the male dancers!) and an endearing soundtrack including “Love is in the Air”. It is credited with inspiring the Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars juggernauts and now it’s back, Strictly Ballroom the Musical.