‘Barbie Girl’
The theme of International Women’s Day this year ‘Choose to Challenge’ is about empowerment and options. This reminded me of the way Mattel co-founder, Ruth Handler, imagined the potential of …
Empathy
This week the National Gallery of Victoria announced its program for 2021. A highlight will be a major exhibition of 100 masterworks of French Impressionism in partnership with the Museum …
Food for Thought
On re-reading this year’s blogposts, I was reminded of the saying from the Gospel of John: ‘Let him who is without sin cast the first stone’. Accordingly, I must admit …
Resolve
The engraving of Auratus Janus … in the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria reminds us of the important and unique Roman god, Janus, who may lend his name …
A Devlin of an Artist
Prior to ‘cashless covid commerce’ most of us have unknowingly handled Australian gold and silversmith Stuart Devlin’s most enduring artistic creations. Devlin designed Australia’s first decimal coinage system which was …
Fashioning Men
On reading ‘Pants Man!’ a number of readers pointed out the serendipity of the Australian Prime Minister ‘launching’ this year’s Melbourne Fashion Week as an entrant in the category of …
What would we do without collectors?
In a beautifully crafted piece that combines literature and art, Helen Robinson writes: Having a bit more time on my hands lately has allowed me to make progress through my …
A contemporary Geryon
In Greek mythology there is a particularly ferocious gigantic monster known as Geryon. The grandson of Medusa, he is described as being ‘humanoid’ but having three heads and, in some …
Teacher’s Pet
When ‘Gazza’ the regional Victorian farmer, dropped off our new puppy, Marty, he offered one piece of advice. “I have found that a smack on the bottom with a rolled-up …
The London Pantheon
Barrie Sheppard takes us on a stroll in Georgian London. Barrie writes: If you have had the pleasure of strolling down Oxford Street, London, you may recall passing a Marks …