Compiler

Cornelia Kraft, Sugartime, 2007, a short film produced while in residence at Bundanon, NSW. Featured in the exhibition Aphrodite’s Dress – artists in collaboration on show at the Bundanon Homestead, West Cambewarra, until 20 August (open Sundays only). www.bundanon.com.au

NSW Aaron Seeto

Henson-ism

In the last few weeks, it seems there is no escaping any conversation about the recent events surrounding Bill Henson, the removal of his work from Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, the ensuing media beat-up and the implications this will have on independent artistic expression and the modes of ethics by which  artists choose to work. Instead of replicating the chronology of events, I have provided a list of links to the current and previous work of artist and gallery advocate groups to some of the surrounding issues which the Henson controversy makes apparent … 

… In light of other events occurring concurrently with the Henson ‘affair’: the cancelling of an exhibition at a Municipal Library by the Leichhardt Council organised by the Friends of Hebron group (a community group established to raise awareness of the situation of Palestinians in Hebron); and the Australian Medical Association’s 19 May 2008 media release requesting that ‘public funds are not used to support Australian films that glamorise or promote smoking [www.ama.com.au/web.nsf/doc/WEEN-7CUUQC] – what effect will the media, lobby groups, popular/public morality have, not only on the criticism and reception of artists’ work, but also on its creation and funding?

Self-censorship

In March 2007, the AGNSW ran a conference, The Big Chill: Self-censorship in an age of Uncertainty, which looked at a relationship between the political, social and cultural climate in Australia, the over-sensitisation of museum and gallery staff and the facilitation of discussion that often requires opposition and contest. Conference papers are available via www.mgnsw.org.au/resources.php?page_number=2

Inform yourself

On its website, the National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) has published a range of responses to the current issue. As well, it has links to previous discussion papers it has commissioned, such as its Visual Arts Industry Guidelines Research Project (VAIGRP), Working paper 7 on Freedom of Expression (2001), and a more recent paper, ‘Freedom of Expression’, delivered by lawyer Bill Morrow at NAVA’s 2006 The Future Looks so Inciting forum as part of Artists Week at the Adelaide Arts Festival: www.visualarts.net.au/newsdesk The Arts Law Centre of Australia also has a range of publications and discussions on sedition, defamation, classification and censorship: www.artslaw.com.au/

Vale Dr Edward Jackson

In early June, news of the death of Dr Edward Jackson began filtering through the art community. Dr Jackson (who was 84) and his wife Cynthia Jackson have been passionate supporters of contemporary art, especially of the Museum of Contemporary Art. Together, the Jacksons have helped many young artists around the country through their great work: Primavera, the MCA’s annual exhibition for young artists; and the Bella Program of art education for young people with specific needs. Both programs were established in memory of their late daughter Belinda.

Harbouring still lives

Launched in 2007, The Eutick Memorial Still Life Award, run by the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery, invites artists residing in Australia to submit still life paintings for the award. The major award is $10 000 (and acquisitive) with other prizes totalling $22 500. For more information contact the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery. www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/www/html/423-coffs-harbour-regional-gallery.asp

Cream of the crop

In June, Melbourne gallerist Anna Schwartz opened her second gallery space, in the Carriageworks complex , Newtown. Opening with a solo exhibition of Mike Parr including photographs, documenting Parr’s performance works from 1971 - 2008. Titled Milk, the exhibition is drawn from a 900-page publication with the same name presenting a survey of the artist’s performances from the last 37 years. Schwartz’s Sydney location features a huge cavernous exhibition space, and aims to present museum quality exhibitions and projects. Milk runs 17 June to 16 August, Anna Schwartz Gallery Sydney, Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street Darlington: www.annaschwartzgallery.com

Down in Waterloo

In the same week, Sally Breen relocated her Breenspace gallery from the city location she has worked from over the last year to Waterloo. Near to Danks Street, and a few doors down from Gallery Barry Keldoulis, Waterloo is quickly becoming an important stop on the commercial gallery circuit. Her new space opens with a new exhibition by Scott Redford called Reinhardt Dammn Cold War. 18 June to 19 July, Breenspace, 289 Young Street, Waterloo. www.breenspace.com

Say it with flowers

Ex Melbourne- now Netherlands-based Christian Thompson presents a new body of work at Chalk Horse, a young gallery that blurs the line between artist-run and commercial with spectacular results. Thompson’s exhibition Australian Graffiti presents some of his recent photographic self-portraiture, exploring his Aboriginal heritage within the context of 1980s glam fashion and Australia’s floral symbolism. 11 June to 5 July, Chalk Horse, 56 Cooper Street, Surry Hills. www.chalkhorse.com.au

Appearing in Pyrmont

Another young commercial gallery providing opportunities for less established artists is Horus & Deloris in Pyrmont. In July they present the work of three artists working across assemblage and installation: Mona Ryder, Ann Maree Reaney and Victoria Boulter-Groening. 16 to 30 July, Horus & Deloris, Level 2, 102 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont. www.horusanddeloris.com.au

Blowin’ in the wind

Kaliman Gallery presents a new body of painting by now Melbourne-based David Griggs. Irreverently titled All I want is peace in the middle east, a blow job and a free t-shirt, Griggs’s new exhibition combines his continuing interest in current politics, human needs and freedom. 20 June to 19 July,  Kaliman Gallery, 56 Sutherland Street, Paddington.