|
Comic Book Lifestyle, an immersive comic exhibition which examines the life
of comic book artists and the sub-culture they help to create, opens at Linden
on 17 April.
Three young talented Melbourne based comic book artists, Kieran Mangan, Gregory
Mackay and Michael Fikaris, are exhibiting together for the first time in a
gallery space. They will shrug the constraints of a printable page and hit
the walls with large scale versions of their underground comic books;
display memorabilia, items of inspiration and their sketchbooks; create
a reading and website viewing area; and encourage visitors to try their
hand at comic art and leave comments on the gallery's toilet walls.
Kieran Mangan is responsible for Monkey Head Man, URGH and Frontside.
Gregory Mackay's past titles include Fatigue, Syndrome, Terminal, Malaise,
Psychic Twins, Untitled and Deep Black.
Michael Fikaris' upcoming publications include a collection of the current
volume of ‘froth', issues 13-15. (Available from 20 May)
Part of the 2002 Next Wave Festival, Comic Book Lifestyle
officially opens at 7pm Thursday 18 April and runs until Sunday 26 May.
Gallery Hours are Tuesday - Sunday 1.00 - 6.00pm
For further information and/or images please contact Amy Barrett-Lennard
on 9209 6794 or email info@lindenarts.org
back to top --^
We all want to live in a world that's sublime. An existence where the
secret rhythms of nature, life and art reveal themselves to us.
It's well known that musicians have their own...environment, that theatre
folks have their special circle, that ziners and activists have specific
ways of work and play. But what of the more unknown (and uncharted) world of comic creators?
Sharing a house with Gregory MacKay, Kieran Mangan and Michael Fikaris
provided some clues. 'Chez Comics' in Malvern was alternately a refuge from
reality, a social experiment, a utopian commune, an artist colony - or just
another share house. Together we raised our 'comic consciousness'.
Certainly we lowered local property values.
Via jam strips, twenty four hour drawing sessions, and ceaseless mail we
shared influences. Amid stacks of local and foreign comics, we conjured up
our own. Alongside discussions on theory and technique, we developed our own rules. Amidst an indifferent world, we grew involved with the growing
comics community in Melbourne as well as throughout Australia.
What's special about the world of Australian comicians is not just their
skill, but their determination. At times, they almost relish the challenge
of a world that is indifferent and often hostile. And that determination
extends to the support and encouragement of those participating in the
comics demimonde, as they share print and physical venues. We don't care
where you come from, what you look like, or even how you draw. (Everyone's a
weirdo, including you!) If you put pen to paper, if you're committed, that's
good enough. The rest will follow.
People in The Life come from different backgrounds and different approaches.
We work in your offices, sit next to you on trains and buses, we are
shoulder to shoulder at your restaurants and bookstores and pubs. We all
secretly know and love each other, so that we ignore each other naturally.
We live in a world that is subtle and seductive, tragic and comic, near and
distant. You may not know us, but we know you, as victim or protagonist. In
the windshield, the mirror, through televisions and computer monitors, even
glasses frames - you're already existing in panels, in montage. And if you
look closely, you may see yourself in some of this show's work. You have
come to see Comic Book Lifestyle, but it already sees you.
Picking up a pen and drawing is one of the easiest things to do. Making a
living from it is one of the hardest. And that frisson helps to create
Comic Book Lifestyle.
You may have seen Gregory Mackay, Michael Fikaris, and Kieran Mangan under a variety of names. (Braddock Coalition, Malvern Stars, etc.). You may not have seen them at all. Here they delineate the secret knowledge that comes from this experience, each in their own voice.
Don't pity them, as they stride boldly forth into unknown and uncommercial
terrain. They're not in it for the press junkets, the expense accounts, or
the adulation of screaming fans.
Don't fear them, for they only want to share their own piece of this puzzle.
Don't envy them, for many a long night stared them down with pages to draw,
edit, collate and staple.
Simply enjoy this assemblage, and see what it means for you. This is your
life, but this is Comic Book Lifestyle.
John Weeks
back to top --^
THE ZINE SCENE - presented by Express Media
A two part workshop with tutor, Adam Ford, will walk you through everything
you need to know about zine creation, promotion and distribution; from cut
and paste collages to scamming free stuff. Learn the secrets of the zine
scene and become your own publisher.
Condell Room, Melbourne Town Hall
2 - 4 pm Saturday 18 & 25 May
Free Bookings through Next Wave ph 9662 3942
SMALL PRESS WORKSHOP
Sit down on a couch and read a comic book, use the photocopier and
work on an experiment with the unlearned procedures practised by the
Comic Book Lifestyle artists and their cohorts. Hear discussions on
the state of Australian comics while investigating the different
techniques used to make small press books.
Linden - St Kilda Centre for Contemporary Arts
26 Acland St, St Kilda
2 - 4pm Sunday 19 May
Free bookings through Linden ph 9209 6794
SILENT ARMY BOOK AND WEBSITE LAUNCH
A 100 page anthology of 20 Australian underground comic book artists
will be launched at:
Linden - St Kilda Centre for Contemporary Arts
26 Acland St, St Kilda
6pm Sunday 19 May
www.nextwave.org.au/silentarmy
MEANJIN DOES DRUGS
The latest issue containing commissioned works by Michael Fikaris,
Kieran Mangan and Gregory Mackay will be launched at:
Linden - St Kilda Centre for Contemporary Arts
26 Acland St, St Kilda
6pm Sunday 26 May
back to top --^
CATCH THE VISION 2002 VJ PERFORMANCE ART WAVE @ ST KILDA FILM FESTIVAL
Vision 2002 showcases all the latest technology-based visual
performance art from leading Australian and international VJs
during a three-day exhibition featuring installation works, live
performances, demonstrations, and information sessions at Linden
St Kilda Centre for Contemporary Arts from Friday, 31 May to
Sunday, 2 June 2002 as part of the St Kilda Film Festival 2002.
Vision 2002 organisers are encouraging public participation in
all elements of the digital canvas exhibition where cutting edge
visual performance art meets non-traditional short film
production. Entry is free.
In its second year as part of the St Kilda Film Festival, the
Vision 2002 exhibition highlights the specialised nature of this
emerging art form, exploring the latest technologies, content and
techniques used by today's most talented VJ performers.
The line-up for the nightly performances will see Linden's
galleries jumping. The opening night performance will feature the
Australian launch of the Nightswimmers CD combining both live
visual and music performance components.
Artists' installations will exhibit the huge variation in
their approach to improvisational image editing to music through
interactive multimedia displays.
Wannabe VJs and new media students can source information
about getting involved in the area from companies demonstrating
their technology and established VJ artists who will be on hand
to answer questions or through sitting in on the information
sessions and forums.
Since the 1970's visual performance art has enhanced
audiences' experience of music and events whether at clubs,
raves, festivals or the huge live music shows of bands such as U2
allowing artists to further experiment with technology-based
solutions to create new forms of visual performance work.
What: Vision 2002 Exhibition Free Entry
When: Friday, 31 May 2002 (6:00pm opening) to Sunday, 2 June
2002 (9:00pm close)
Where: Linden Art Centre & Gallery
26 Acland Street, St Kilda (Melways Map Ref: 58-A10 or 2P-A8)
Performances: Friday, 31 May 2002 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Opening Party
... Australian Launch of the Nightswimmers CD
Saturday, 1 June 2002 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Sunday, 2 June 2002 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm Closing Night
View Installations: Friday, 31 May 2002 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Saturday, 1 June and Sunday, 2 June 2002 from 12:00noon to 9:00pm
Information Sessions: TBA
More Vision Info: Check out the website @ the address below:
http://www.vision.ishappening.net/
For more information, please contact:
Robin Macpherson, Vision 2002 Co-ordinator. Phone: (03) 9504 6304
Email: aqueous.ishappening.net Myvanwy, Vision 2002 Installation
Co-ordinator. Phone: 0419 417 067
Email: _om_@bigpond.com
back to top --^
|
