The art world opens up

Written by: Evan Lowenstein

As I write to you, I have just returned from Shepparton where I had a wonderful day visiting the new $71m Shepparton Art Museum or SAM as it has been affectionately known for the past few years.
I saw a most wonderful survey of the great Lin Onus’ work on whose country the museum sits, It was so fitting and moving to see the gallery had named one of its main rooms after this most extraordinary and proud man.
In addition, there was a major wall hanging of Danie Mellor’s work entitled “On a noncorreolationist thought I-XIV 2018”.
Ann-Marie May and Maree Clarke had also made some site-specific work that was indeed a lovely and colourful addition to parts of the gallery.
I would certainly encourage any of you to take a day out and see what this part of Victoria has to offer.
In February, I had the great pleasure of attending the opening of the Melbourne Art Fair.
It was the first time in many years when there was an art fair where we could see the art and meet the people rather than relying on online presentations.
Lots of galleries participated and the popularity of such an event was evidenced by the huge queue of excited art lovers that snaked all the way down the massive hall of the Centre on the Thursday night.
There was a great range of art from all over Australia. The special highlight was the invited five Indigenous art centres located around the main hall.
The Fair had quite an international feel with the necessary glamour and style that Melbourne is known for and we are all lucky not to have forgotten it during the pandemic.
(Melbourne Art Fair 17-20 February 2022, Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre)