ART FIX | Art entertainment for isolation

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

Pablo Picasso

While the world around us seems to be changing everyday, we can always rely on art to provide a consistent stream of inspiration and entertainment. We hope you enjoy this weeks edition of Art Fix. 

To watch: 
Gauguin: Voyage to Tahiti (2018)

On 28th June 1891, Gauguin set sail for French Polynesia in search of inspiration and respite from an urban France that had started to wear on the somewhat struggling artist. His self-imposed exile on Tahiti saw the artist reconnect with nature and fall under the influence of a society and landscape that was as exotic as it was colourful. Despite the dramatisation, this film brushes on big subjects such as colonialism, identity and notions of the ‘other’ as we follow Gauguin’s quest to reinvigorate his art.  It also explores the environment that inspired monumental works such as Manao Tupapau (1892), Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going? (1897) and his Tahitian Women series. 

Watch the trailer here

To eat:

Edvard Munch’s Scream Cheese Brownies 
Replace existential terror with existential bliss and enjoy these indulgent chocolatey treats

Taking the saying “eating is a necessity but cooking is an art” to a whole new level, we introduce you to Edvard Munch’s Scream Cheese Brownie recipe by blogger SugaryWinzy. Easier than it looks to achieve, this recipe is a fun challenge and is child friendly to boot. While it professes to be a Halloween recipe, we believe that a good Munch is relevant all year round (pun intended). Send us pictures of your attempt and unleash your inner baker!

Click here for the recipe

To read:
Odd Roads to be Walking: 156 Women Who Shaped Australian Art by Paul Finucane and Catherine Stuart

With the title inspired by a quote from Virginia Woolf’s ToThe Lighthouse, this magnificent book explores the lives and contributions of the women who shaped Australian art throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. With 75 essays and over 150 artworks featured throughout, this is a true celebration of the female artists of Australia. 

Click here to read an excerpt from the books introduction which is accompanied by Grace Cossington Smith’s Door into the Garden (1959).

To subsribe:
Reflektor Magazine

This snazzy magazine reflects the artworld at large. With punchy political opinion pieces and beautifully written reviews, interviews and features, this excellent Melbourne based  magazine issues six editions a year. Bonus: It’s free! Subscribe to secure your copy and all you’ll pay is postage. 

To listen:
ArtTactic Podcast by ArtTactic

Intrigued by the business side of the artworld? From investment and trends to emerging markets and patronage, each episode features a different figure from the art market, with the latest episodes even covering the current pandemic in relation to art. Artists, auctioneers and investors come together with many others to share lively discussions and debates. Note: If you can’t get enough of this podcast, ArtTactic offers a comprehensive subscription package that includes detailed reports, market tracking and analytic tools, with several tiers designed to suit various needs. 

To view:
NIRIN Sydney Biennale 2020

Having closed operations early to protect public health and interest, NIRIN will be reopening its doors virtually. Artistic director Brooke Andrew states that NIRIN will be “demonstrating that artists and creatives have the power to resolve, heal, dismember and imagine futures of transformation for re-setting the world.” From Youtube videos, Instagram live streams and Spotify playlists to weekly recipes (the fish curry sounds incredible!), DIY craft activities and eventually virtual reality tours with Google Arts and Culture, there is so much wonderful content and so much more to look forward to. 

Sign up via the Biennial website to receive updates and explore their new virtual platforms here.