FOOD & DRINK

Where to go for good seafood in Bondi

24/04/2024

Welcome to the future of seafood dining – welcome to Uncut Seafood Delicatessen. This isn’t just another fish shop; it’s a vibrant revolution brought to life by the dynamic Lucas siblings – Nic, Jack, and Kaitlin. Opening its doors on April 26th on bustling Bondi Road, this delicatessen is the culmination of a lifelong passion, a rich family legacy in fish mongering, and an ambitious dream turned reality. At Uncut Seafood Delicatessen, forget everything you thought you knew about traditional seafood joints. This is where the Lucas trio’s vision comes to life, offering a fresh, modern spin on seafood that’s as delightful to your health as it is to your taste buds. Gone are the days of heavy, fried fish dishes. Instead, prepare your palate for an elevated seafood experience that prioritises freshness, flavour, and nutritional value. Step inside, and you’ll find yourself enveloped in an atmosphere that blends the sophistication of a high-end designer boutique with the inviting warmth of a family-run establishment. Every detail, from the Taj Mahal quartzite countertops to the bespoke zellige tiled walls and refined brass accents, tells a story of meticulous design and an unwavering commitment to creating a memorable dining experience. But the real magic lies in the menu. Directly sourced from local Australian fishermen and the renowned Sydney fish markets, every dish served is a testament to the Lucas family’s rich heritage and unparalleled expertise in seafood. Whether you opt for dine-in or take-away, you’re in for a treat with their freshly cut sashimi, perfectly shucked oysters,… Read More

A place to eat in Coogee: Marra Bar & Grill

22/04/2024

By James Banham

As the leaves turn and we welcome the cooler, more reflective seasons of autumn and winter, the Coogee Bay Hotel proudly unveils its latest culinary delights at the renowned Marra Bar & Grill. This eagerly anticipated menu refresh aligns perfectly with the launch of the “Quintessentially Coogee” campaign, a heartfelt initiative designed to reward patrons and cement the hotel’s deep-rooted allegiance to its local community. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Coogee and boasting unparalleled views of its iconic beach, Marra Bar & Grill has long stood as a beacon of exceptional dining. This season’s offerings bring to the table an enriched palette of flavors, starting with perfectly seared Scallops atop a rustic blend of crushed peas and potato scallops – a true homage to autumn’s bounty. The curated Charcuterie Board, with its fine selection of Ortiz anchovies, delicately shaved jamón, and De Palma salami, along with marinated olives and pickles, provides the perfect shareable feast for those crisp coastal evenings. Continuing with the theme of comforting classics, the menu features the heartwarming Bangers & Mash—pork & fennel sausages served over a bed of silky colcannon and finished with a mustard jus. The oven-roasted half chicken, accompanied by kipfler potatoes seasoned with thyme and parmesan, captures the essence of home-cooked warmth. For those seeking a more refined touch to the traditional pub fare, the Wagyu Burger offers a gourmet twist, and the zesty Chicken Wings, served with a cooling ranch dressing, promise to tantalize the taste buds. Seafood lovers are not forgotten, with the Casarecce… Read More

Go to Adrian Richardson’s new Italian joint, Pasta Bambino

22/04/2024

By James Banham

Affordable Gourmet Pasta and Classic Cocktails at Bouvier Bar In a heartwarming homage to his Italian roots and an answer to the current economic squeeze, celebrated chef Adrian Richardson unveils ‘Pasta Bambino’, a winter pop-up nestled within the cozy confines of Bouvier Bar, on Melbourne’s iconic Lygon Street. Offering an escape into the warmth of Italian cuisine, this pop-up is poised to serve up an array of classic Italian pasta dishes, alongside handcrafted cocktails and wine, all priced to please. Since its opening in 2017, Bouvier Bar has become a staple in Brunswick East, known for its classic cocktails and unmatched hospitality. Adrian Richardson, the culinary force behind La Luna Bistro and now Pasta Bambino, aims to stir the pot in the current dining scene with affordable, yet gourmet, pasta offerings reflective of his Italian heritage. Drawing from childhood memories of making pasta from scratch with his Italian grandparents, Adrian’s approach with Pasta Bambino is simple yet profound. “Some of my fondest food memories are helping my Italian grandparents in the kitchen,” Richardson recounts, tying his culinary endeavors back to his foundational experiences with food. The pop-up restaurant’s menu sings a ballad of traditional Italian comfort food, with the promise of changing offerings to keep the palette intrigued. Patrons can look forward to starting their meals with tasty smaller plates like crumbed and fried mozzarella and an antipasto board brimming with Mediterranean delights. Main dishes feature a variety of handmade and locally sourced gourmet pasta such as casarecce bolognese and fresh ricotta gnocchi, not to… Read More

ST. ALi coffee in Melbourne has a new shop

20/04/2024

By James Banham

ST. ALi, the revered Melbourne coffee institution, is thrilled to announce the opening of its latest venture on Bali’s shores. This April, coffee aficionados and culinary enthusiasts will be welcomed at the brand new ST. ALi cafe located on the ground floor of the avant-garde FURTHER HOTEL in the lively and promising district of Pererenan. This expansion marks a significant milestone, promising to infuse Bali’s blossoming coffee scene with ST. ALi’s celebrated blend of premium coffee and gastronomic flair. “Expanding into Bali presents an exhilarating opportunity for us to introduce the ST. ALi philosophy to a wider audience. Pererenan’s evolving culinary landscape and its rich, immersive culture provide the ideal setting for our brand to flourish,” proclaimed Lachlan Ward, CEO of ST. ALi. FURTHER HOTEL has quickly made its mark since its establishment in 2023, earning accolades for its innovative hotel concept that seamlessly integrates with the community ethos of Bali’s southwest coastline. This collaboration between ST. ALi and FURTHER HOTEL is set to enrich the guest experience significantly, marrying the hotel’s novel approach with ST. ALi’s expertise in coffee and cuisine. “Partnering with ST. ALi to bring the essence of Melbourne’s coffee culture to Pererenan is a fulfillment of a long-held aspiration,” expressed Simon Digby, Co-Founder of FURTHER HOTEL. “Facing some of Bali’s most sought-after surf spots, we anticipate ST. ALi will become a morning hub for surfers eager for their coffee fix.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by ST ALi INDONESIA (@stali.id) In line with this partnership, ST. ALi Bali,… Read More

Discover the home of Australian whisky at Starward’s new distillery and bar precinct

16/04/2024

By Danielle Kirk

After winning 24 Double Gold medals in 2 years, Starward goes even bigger with its recent unveiling of a brand-new distillery tour and bar experience.

Tag: melbourne food

Melbourne wine & cheese fest 2024

by James Banham

Updated: 12/02/2024

Prepare your taste buds for a truly delectable experience as the Wine & Cheese Fest returns to Melbourne on Sunday, 3rd March 2024. Hosted at The Timber Yard, this event promises a delightful showcase of the finest dairy products and grape varieties, creating an unforgettable celebration for all attendees. An Epicurean Delight Embrace the 11th edition of the Wine & Cheese Fest, where approximately 50 artisan producers from Victoria and beyond will converge to curate a sensory paradise. With complimentary tastings, engaging masterclasses, and the opportunity to interact with each boutique producer, this event is a tribute to Australian businesses and the art of gastronomy. Culinary Showcases Step into a world of culinary exploration with renowned producers such as That’s Amore Cheese, BoatShed Cheese, Schulz Organic Dairy, Long Paddock Cheese & The Cheese School, L’Artisan Cheese, Urban Vineyard, Bellarine Estate Winery, Pizzini Wines, Clarnette Wines, and John Gehrig Wines. Additionally, a selection of eateries including Ummu Gozleme, Porcupine Eatery, Athens Traditional Souvlaki, and Cannoleria will be present, offering delicious dishes to savor between tastings. The Ultimate Experience Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or simply seeking to tantalize your taste buds, the Wine & Cheese Fest caters to all enthusiasts of fine cheese and wine. Attendees can partake in free masterclasses conducted by cheese producers and winemakers, gaining insights into production techniques, culinary tips, and the art of becoming a true aficionado. For those seeking an extra element of excitement, the Grape Stomp Competition awaits, offering participants the chance to win delightful prizes. Express your interest… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, MELBOURNE

Tags: Cheese wine festival, Melbourne blog, Melbourne cheese festival, melbourne food, melbourne food blog, Melbourne wine festival

West Melbourne’s best food festival

by THE F

Posted: 26/01/2024

Get ready, foodies and music lovers! The much awaited, premier food and music festival in Melbourne’s West – Flavour Fest – is back and promises to be more scrumptious and entertaining than ever before. The festival will take centre stage on Saturday, 2 March, from 12pm to 9pm. A celebration of community, culture, and cuisine, this spectacular event is proudly presented by Melton City Council and Woodlea. It offers a delightful mix of mouth-watering bites from Victoria’s most popular food trucks, thrilling kids activities and a line-up of music artists that promise an electrifying performance that will have you dancing into the sunset. The main stage will come alive from 3pm onwards with sweet sounds from artists including the Pierce Brothers, Steph Strings, Kitschen Boy, Mitch Santiago, and D’Arcy Spiller. But before the music commences, the afternoon is dedicated to tantalising your taste buds. Savour the flavours from some of Melbourne’s best food trucks, including Big Boy BBQ, Hoy Pinoy, 400 Gradi, and many more. But it’s not only about the savoury delights. The ‘Sweet Life’ zone is specifically designed for the sweet-toothed, offering a variety of desserts from cakes to greek doughnuts and gelato. And for those over 18, a visit to Flavour Fest’s dedicated Beer Garden is a must. Here you’ll find local boutique brewers, wine distillers and artisan spirits from Melbourne’s West, including the likes of ReWine, Wonki, and The Prosecco Van. Flavour Fest is also a family-friendly event. The ‘Play Zone’ will feature a sustainability-focused immersive art experience by the Slow… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, MELBOURNE

Tags: Best Melbourne food, Flavour Fest, FlavourFest, melbourne food, Melbourne food festival

The Espy does Asian with a dumpling dego and roast duck banquet

by James Banham

Posted: 14/08/2023

Prepare your taste buds for an exciting culinary journey at Mya Tiger at the Hotel Esplanade (The Espy). This month heralds the arrival of two delectable offerings that are guaranteed to delight – a Dumpling Degustation and a Roast Duck Banquet! Starting August 9, the Dumpling Degustation will be served up every Wednesday from 5.30pm. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a glass of sparkling wine, setting the tone for an evening of indulgent dumpling discovery. The chefs at Mya Tiger have put together an innovative menu that takes the humble dumpling to new heights. Feast on unique creations like Wagyu Beef with Bone Marrow and Red Braised Duck & Candied Cumquat, in addition to some of Mya Tiger’s renowned classics. The Dumpling Degustation is priced at just $39 per person. The Roast Duck Banquet provides a unique twist to the traditional Sunday roast. Beginning on August 13, this extraordinary banquet will be served from 5.30pm every Sunday. Guests can anticipate a glass of sparkling on arrival followed by a tantalising banquet featuring Roast Duck in three ways – classic Roast Duck Pancakes, handmade Braised Duck Dumplings and a final flourish of Crispy Szechuan Duck. Please book in advance as availability is limited each Sunday. The Roast Duck Banquet is also priced at $39 per person. Mya Tiger is your perfect destination for any occasion, offering sumptuous food, refreshing drinks and a welcoming atmosphere. It is open for lunch Tuesday to Sunday from 12.00pm-2.30pm and for dinner daily from 5.30pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, the… Read More

Category: CITIES, MELBOURNE

Tags: Can you eat at The Espy, Espy menu, Espy St Kilda, Espy St Kilds, melbourne food, Mya TIger, St Kilda restaurants, the espy

Melbourne Wine & Cheese Fest is back this March

by James Banham

Posted: 14/01/2023

If wine and cheese are your thing, then this is the news you want. There’s a one-day festival held on Sunday 5th March that will give Melburnians – and visitors! – the chance to experience 50 local wineries, cheese and artisan producers all under the one roof. Held at the Port Melbourne Timber Yard, which will be converted into an epic wine and cheese delicatessen that has to be seen to be ‘brie-lieved’. Running across two mouth-watering sessions, foodies can meet each boutique producer, sample free tastings and support local vendors by buying goods brought from all corners of Victoria and beyond. he live music, DJs and roving artists will keep guests entertained while their taste buds take a trip around Victoria, whilst the little ones keep busy in the dedicated kids’ zone complete with face painting, lawn games, and more interactive games. And for those looking to get their feet dirty and take home some delicious prizes on the day, Wine & Cheese Fest will be running their famous Grape Stomp Competition between 3pm and 4pm. Expressions of interest are now open, wineandcheesefest.com.au/grape-stomp-comp When: Sunday 5th March, 2023, 11.30am – 8pm (across two sessions) 1st session: 11.30am – 3pm 2nd session: 3.30pm – 7pm Where: The Timber Yard – 351 Plummer St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207 Who: 50 local wineries, cheese, and artisan producers Why: To celebrate the 10th year of bringing together local wine and cheese makers under one roof for all to enjoy. Cost: General Admission: $44-$59, Total Wine Indulgence (TWI) $89/$94, VIP $150

Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK

Tags: melbourne food, Melbourne Wine & Cheese Fest is back this March, the f melbourne, THE F Wine cheese fest, Wine cheese festival

Food festivals in Melbourne: East Malvern’s Central Park food and wine festival is back

by James Banham

Updated: 16/03/2022

The 5th annual East Malvern Food & Wine Festival will return to East Malvern’s picturesque Central Park! At long last, after a long pandemic-fuelled break, the festival will boast a vast range of exquisite wineries from all across Victoria, artisan provedores and entertainment on Sunday 27 March 2022, from 11am to 6pm. The festival will feature a vast range of exquisite wines from 12 wineries from the Victorian wines including: Turners Crossing, Innocent Bystander, Red Edge, Tellurian Wines, Linnaea Vineyards, Munari Wines, Heathcote Winery, Olive Hills Estate, Wren Estate, Buller Wines, Buckshot Vineyard and Mount Avoca Wine. And for the more foodie amongst us, there’ll be local Melbourne favourite food trucks, local favourite restaurants and pop-up restaurant stalls like 48h Pizza & Gnocchi Bar, Nepal Dining, The Flying Calamari, Bao Melbourne, Mushiki Dumplings, The Smoke Pit and more. There’s also freshly shucked fresh and wild Signature Oysters matched with Sparkling prosecco served all day long. Our Merchant Coffee Roasters from Mansfield serving up freshly brewed coffee and even puppicinos for our fury friends and delicious desserts from the Pressed Waffle Bar and Luvlee Gourmet’s handcrafted ice creams for all to enjoy. For more info and to sort your itinerary out (tickets are $22.95), head to the festival’s website

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE

Tags: East Malvern food wine festival, Food festivals in Melbourne East Malvern's Central Park food and wine festival is back, Food wine festival Melbourne, melbourne food, Melbourne wine

5 must-do Melbourne Good Food Month events this June

by James Banham

Posted: 10/05/2021

Life’s basically normal again and with the annual Melbourne Good Food Month back on this year – safely – it’s time to plan what you’re going to hit up. Here are five feature events to add to the diary. Flower Drum x Neil Perry Where? Flower Drum | 6pm, 6:30pm & 7pm, Tuesday, 1 June | $220 Good Food Month couldn’t think of a better way to kick off Melbourne Good Food Month than with Flower Drum x Neil Perry. We wanted to go big – so we asked the country’s most hatted chef (149 at last count), Neil Perry, to collaborate with Melbourne’s culinary institution, Flower Drum for something truly exclusive. Neil has curated a one-off special menu filled with his favourite Flower Drum dishes – some of which are on the menu and some of which are the secret off-menu dishes made especially for Neil when he visits. Tickets include multiple courses plus a Q&A with the chefs. Get tickets here Esmay Pop-up with Bar Liberty Where? Bar Liberty | 5:30pm, 6pm, 8pm & 8:30pm, Tuesday 15 June | $140 Good things happen when you pair Alanna Sapwell’s travelling restaurant, Esmay, with Melbourne’s hatted wine and dine masterpiece, Bar Liberty. Both have a focus on seasonal produce, and both live on that axis where creativity meets comfort. Alanna’s touring Esmay around the country with Good Food Month, with all events in Brisbane, Canberra & Perth selling out in a flash, so we recommend snapping up tickets early as tickets are limited to this Melbourne… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE

Tags: 5 must-do Melbourne Good Food Month events this June, Food events Melbourne, good food month, melbourne food, Melbourne food events, melbourne good food month

Melbourne Good Food Month feature events you want to try

by James Banham

Posted: 03/06/2019

Melbourne’s Custom House is about to become the hub-of-hubs for this year’s Melbourne Good Food Month. With chefs Adam Liaw, Jason Baratt and Nick Mahlook on hand, there’ll be a series of unique dining events that await any hungry foodie. Here’s what’s on: Adam Liaw x Keita Abe When: Wednesday, 12 June, 6:30pm How much: $170 Adam Liaw, television host of Destination Flavour and author of five incredible cookbooks, is inviting Melburnians on a cultural and culinary journey, with Keita Abe from Sydney institution, Chaco Bar. Abe is the master of yakitori, cultivating a cult following with his famous meat skewers, inspired by his native city of Fukuoka, Japan. Tickets include multiple courses with premium wines and beer supplied by James Squire. The Good Food Editor’s Dinner presented by David Jones When: Friday, 14 June, 6:30pm How much: $170 National Good Food Editor Ardyn Bernoth and Chief Restaurant Critic Gemima Cody have assembled the who’s who of the industry, sharing their insights and anecdotes into the wonderful world of food – Jason Barratt, head chef of Halcyon House’s two-hatted restaurant Paper Daisy, Nick Mahlook, whose ocean-to-plate philosophy keeps Melbourne’s The Atlantic Group very busy, and Nikki To, the woman behind the famous food images in the business and the person Australia’s top chefs call when they want to elevate a dish into an icon. Young Chefs Lunch with Marco Pierre White presented by Citi When: Saturday, 8 June 1:30pm In this special event, Marco Pierre White will host a four-course lunch, prepared by four hotly tipped stars of Melbourne’s culinary scene – Jessica… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE

Tags: food guide Melbourne, Good Food Melbourne, good food month, melbourne food, melbourne good food month, the f melbourne

Melbourne Good Food Month with 8bit restaurant

by James Banham

Posted: 25/06/2018

This June in Melbourne, it is Melbourne Good Food Month, which means it’s nothing but quality eating and good vibes around the southern food capital. Presented by Citi, the festival returns with favourites along the length and breadth of a packed programme. This year, Melbourne Good Food Month features heaps of foodiful events, showcasing the very best of Australia’s restaurant industry over 30 delectable days. We spoke to Shayne McCallum of 8bit restaurant in Melbourne who had nothing but the best to ay about the month-long celebration. A post shared by Eat8bit (@eat8bit) on Jun 25, 2018 at 1:10am PDT Melbourne is the food capital of Australia. What are your thoughts on this? Melbourne is pretty lucky with all its diversity of restaurants & cuisines. We have so much young, talented hospitality crew doing amazing things & opening great cafes, late night bars, & smart casual diners and the food and beer festivals all year round. I can easily see, truth in that statement. Are you excited to be a part of the activations in Melbourne this Good Food Month? We were thrilled that we got asked to work with Good Food Month, I have personally done a few gigs with Good Food Month over the years, but it’s the first time 8bit has been a part of it, which we are really stoked about. Obviously, it’s all about the best of what you do, but are there any secrets or surprises in-store for fans? We are bringing some of our best-selling burgers & our waffle fries to this event, we don’t sell the waffle fries in store, so it… Read More

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE

Tags: good food month, melbourne food, melbourne good food month, the f good food month

ARTS & CULTURE

breakdance head spin pexels pixabay 159273

Experience break dancing like never before this MAy

24/04/2024

By James Banham

Get ready to experience the ultimate celebration of hip hop culture, innovation, and artistry at Breakin’ Convention 2024. An international festival of Hip Hop dance theatre, it’ll be taking over Sadler’s Wells in Islington this coming May Bank Holiday. Enthusiastically helmed by the visionary UK hip hop maker and Breakin’ Convention Artistic Director Jonzi D, this festival has become a beacon for fans and creators of hip hop from around the globe. The excitement is palpable as we gear up for two days packed with jaw-dropping performances, interactive workshops, and live music that promise to electrify the Sadler’s Wells venues on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May. With an extraordinary lineup featuring international sensations like Femme Fatale (USA), Sons of Wind (France), and Jinjo crew (South Korea), alongside groundbreaking UK acts such as TRAPLORD, Boy Blue, and When Time Was New, this festival is set to showcase the dynamic and diverse world of hip hop dance theatre. Attendees of all ages can look forward to a vast array of activities including spectacular dance performances, bespoke graffiti workshops, freestyle sessions, and even live DJs sessions that guarantee to keep the energy high and the spirit of hip hop alive throughout the entire building. Not to mention, the festival coincides with the historic moment of breaking becoming an official Olympic sport at the Paris Olympics, adding an extra layer of exhilaration to the festivities. Beyond the performances, Breakin’ Convention 2024 invites audiences to engage directly with the hip hop community through unique events such as the Tiny… Read More

Opera Australia orchestrates a new era with Matthieu Arama as Concertmaster

24/04/2024

By James Banham

In a move that marks a significant milestone in its illustrious history, Opera Australia has announced the appointment of the renowned French violinist Matthieu Arama as the new Concertmaster of the Opera Australia Orchestra (OAO). This announcement follows an exhaustive global search, culminating in Mr. Arama’s selection, a testament to his extraordinary talent and leadership abilities. Set to join the OAO in August of this year, Arama brings with him a wealth of experience as the current Concertmaster of the Opéra National de Bordeaux, coupled with an impressive track record of performances with some of the world’s most distinguished conductors. View this post on Instagram A post shared by matthieu arama (@matthieu_arama) Arama’s role will be pivotal in steering the OAO towards achieving artistic brilliance across its broad annual repertoire, which spans over 250 opera, ballet, musical theatre, and concert performances for Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet. His recent engagements as Guest Concertmaster for Opera Australia on iconic productions such as La Traviata and Swan Lake, alongside The Australian Ballet, and a solo recital featuring opera and ballet excerpts, underscore his extraordinary versatility and musicianship. The enthusiasm within the OAO is palpable, with Acting Concertmaster Huy-Nguen Bui expressing excitement over welcoming Arama to the helm. “The OAO is excited to welcome an exceptional violinist and musician as our new Concertmaster. We look forward to reaching the highest levels of music-making through Mr. Arama’s artistic leadership,” said Bui. This sentiment is echoed by Opera Australia’s CEO Fiona Allan, Artistic Director Jo Davies, The Australian Ballet’s… Read More

Lauren Brincat When Do I Breathe 2024. Performer Jasmin Lancaster. Photographer Zan Wimberley. Courtesy of the artist

Public performance in Randwick Sydney by artist Lauren Brincat

22/04/2024

By James Banham

This week, the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct will experience an exceptional infusion of art and community spirit through a public performance by the celebrated multidisciplinary artist Lauren Brincat. Scheduled for one-night only, on Wednesday, 24 April 2024, Brincat’s performance marks the launch of the new Laneway Art Program. This initiative, commissioned by the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct and supported by Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities program, seeks to enhance perceptions of safety for women, girls, and gender diverse people navigating the streets and laneways of the Precinct. Brincat, along with Rochelle Haley, another leading Australian artist, has been entrusted with the mission to improve night-time connectivity and comfort within the precinct through performance-based and site-specific artwork. Both artists have engaged directly with health workers in the area to shape their projects, aiming to make the public spaces more welcoming and to strengthen the sense of community, safety, and inclusiveness across the site. The artwork, titled When do I breathe?, is an ambitious collaboration with sound artist Evelyn Ida Morris, UNSW Choral Director Sonia Maddock, and choreographer Charmene Yap. It invites the public to actively participate in shaping new paths across the precinct, offering a unique experience that encompasses three activation sites within the UNSW Kensington and the hospital precinct. The performance, beginning at 5:00 pm on the UNSW Scientia Lawn, is a reflection on the interconnectedness of local communities, especially those separated by differing work shifts and daily rhythms. Aiming to reclaim public space through collective action, When do I breathe? presents an… Read More

Good news for National Gallery London: Eva Gonzalès piece acquired

22/04/2024

By James Banham

On the occasion of the artist’s 177th birthday on Friday 19th April, the National Gallery has acquired La Psyché (The Full-length Mirror), about 1869-70, by Eva Gonzalès (1849-1883) thanks to three generous legacy gifts from Mrs Martha Doris Bailey, Miss Gillian Cleaver, and Ms Sheila Mary Holmes, and the National Gallery Trust. This is the first acquisition by the Gallery of a work by Gonzalès and the second acquisition of its Bicentenary year. La Psyché has not been seen in public for over seventy years and joins only one other painting by her in a UK public collection, The Donkey Ride, about 1880?2, at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Gonzalès is the 20th female artist represented in the National Gallery Collection, marking a significant addition. The story of Gonzalès’s reputation, during and after her life, reflects some of the reasons why women artists are not well represented in the National Gallery. These include being offered fewer opportunities in life and the lack of interest shown, consciously or not, in works by women artists by collectors of the era and onwards, from whose acquisitions the National Gallery’s own collection was assembled. During her lifetime Gonzalès was an established artist who exhibited multiple times to acclaim at the official Paris Salon. She was the only official pupil of Edouard Manet (1832-83), with whom she studied from 1869. Gonzalès likely painted La Psyché around the same time that Manet was painting his portrait of her, Eva Gonzalès (1870). That work, in the Gallery collection, was the focal point of the recent exhibition, Discover Manet & Eva… Read More

film movie reel pexels daydream 20432081

Shooshfest: Australia’s first ever silent short film competition

17/04/2024

By James Banham

Australia’s Shooshfest, an inaugural silent short film competition, invites diverse creators to innovate in storytelling sans speech. Promising an immersive experience, it will connect with audiences, honour silent film and catalyse cinematic culture.