Photo: The Lion King
DAVID BOWIE IS
It's music too, but with a completely different focus; '
David Bowie is
', an edgy and suitably complex tribute to one of rock's most intriguing individuals is currently running at The Australian Centre For The Moving Image.
Pre-purchasing tickets is essential in order to avoid disappointment as record numbers of visitors line up to see just what made this multi-dimensional experience the fastest-selling exhibition ever at London's legendary Victoria and Albert Museum in 2013.
Clever curators have gathered a selection of Bowie's costumes, hand-written lyric sheets, film clips, stage set designs and much more; demonstrating the complexity of the genius and his music.
Fans can extend their initial experience of the exhibition by means of the Bowie Channel, an online hub featuring a myriad of historical clips depicting the thin white duke's journey through the 1960s, 70s and 80s and beyond. It culminates with the now dapper, late middle-aged artist's first number one album in 20 years, 'The Next Day', which was released in 2013 and promptly described as perhaps 'the most surprising and welcome come-back album in rock history,' by Britain's venerable Telegraph newspaper.
Catch weekly talks by Bowie experts and regular Friday late-night performances, wherein Melbourne music scene stars such as Geraldine Quinn, Total Giovanni and The Cactus Channel interpret the artist's classics. Just make sure you have a general entry ticket on the night, as places at these events are strictly limited.
FIT FOR A QUEEN
The life of Russia's Catherine the Great was notable for a number of reasons. German-born, in 1729, as Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst, she was 'chosen' by unmarried, childless Czarina Elizabeth of Russia as a suitable wife for her nephew Peter, who eventually inherited the throne. Sophie, known now as Ekaterina (the Russian version of Catherine) found herself in an unhappy marriage and both parties enjoyed extra-marital dalliances. Eventually a coup saw Peter III deposed and Catherine ascended to the throne herself. Soon afterwards, Peter was murdered.
Catherine thought of herself as a cultured, forward-thinking leader, seeking to improve the lives of her subjects. Whether she succeeded is still a matter of conjecture but one area in which the Queen made a genuine impact was in fostering the arts. During her 32-year reign, she amassed a huge collection of paintings, Sevres porcelain, silverware and much more, filling the Winter Palace, which is now the legendary Hermitage Museum, in St Petersburg.
As long ago as 2000, discussions between the museum and Melbourne commenced, with a view to bringing at least some of Catherine's vast collection to Australia and Masterpieces from the Hermitage: The Legacy of Catherine the Great (31 July - 8 November) is finally arriving at the National Gallery of Victoria as part of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series, running alongside David Bowie is.
In a magical atmosphere, specially created to echo the sumptuous interior of the Hermitage itself, paintings by legendary Dutch and Flemish artists, including Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Titian, Rubens, Velasquez and Hals are set to enchant visitors of all ages and backgrounds at this very comprehensive exhibition.
A variety of related events including talks by the curators, discussions with art experts, choral music recitals featuring 18th century compositions and literary sessions make it an ideal chance for art enthusiasts to come together and share in this extraordinary slice of Catherine's great collection.
WE REMEMBER THEM
2015 marks the centenary of the Gallipoli Landings and in Australia, as in all Commonwealth countries, this important historical event is being remembered and celebrated - as we reflect on the contribution of the men and women who went to war on our behalf.
Modern technology has enabled the organisers of the WW1 Centenary Exhibition at Melbourne Museum (until 4 October) to combine film clips, art works, photos, artefacts and much more in a manner that is deeply moving, enlightening, and educational.
It is believed that at least 16 million world citizens - both soldiers and civilians, perished in the conflict, which was the largest war that the world has ever seen. The exhibition offers a powerful insight into the effect that aviation advances brought into play, the role of the world's naval fleets, the logistics of war, including issues around feeding, arming, and providing first aid to the troops, but ultimately it reminds us of the impact World War One has continued to have on modern life over the last 100 years.
While war is still waged in too many countries around the world, this fascinating exhibition, which even includes a realistic 'trench' experience, firmly underlines the futility of such conflicts.
