Now and Then
Screenshot: Art Seen In WA website courtesy of the Wayback Machine.
Summary
Another attempt at engaging in the critical social commentary space as a fledging critic, best reserved for those with the acumen and foresight that maturity brings in life. This ‘comment’ or review of the International Art Space in Kellerberrin, Western Australia (IASKA) fails to mention the wonderful and enduring legacy of connection with fellow colleague and creative, Tim Burns and his contributions towards the final production of artist David Gregson’s life story which I produced and directed at his Kellerberrin studio in the year 2000. You can view that story at https://archive.org/details/2010ADesireToRelate/mode/2up
Review
NOW AND THEN
International Art Space Kellerberrin Australia (IASKA) Western Australia
Comment by Alexander Hayes
Now and Then, opened by co-curator Dr. David Bromfield, has been brought to Kellerberrin, Western Australia by Arts on the Move, WA, wrenched from its original and lavish platform of PICA to its present dot on the touring map. As the coined title would suggest, a vast array of art educator personalities dot this assay of Perth Tech from conception to the present acronym, CMC.
A brief chat with Dr. David Bromfield and others filled me in on the challenges that such a large body of work presents the curator. As we spoke a large didactic panel dislodged itself from the network of double-sided Velcro and posited quietly in a standing position three feet lower and on the floor. With homage to IASKA staff and assistants who volunteer their time to keep this space afloat, the panel miraculously whipped itself back to historical content overdrive before I had time to choke on the champagne supplied free of charge.
Linton, Thomas, Arkeveld, and names of staff and students alike, too numerous to recite, litter the patched IASKA walls. Suffice to say, those afforded some foam core had room to floridly expound their attributes to the viewing public. The beauty of this exhibition is the manner by which the didactic content offers a portal for the viewer to better grasp the historical narrative still permeating the Perth Arts community. Sadly some fine examples of artistic expression are overshadowed by the pomp and parade of interactive media/ video klutz adjacent.
IASKA, situated in the wheatbelt town of Kellerberrin 220 kilometers from Perth central, offers the avid gallery hopper a unique range of experiences. The converted old drapery store is flooded with natural light whilst the creaking floorboards do their best to unsettle to the gaze of the intended viewer. As an exhibition venue, IASKA has the magic any event may require vast in size, is located proximate to a strong community, has scope for a range of media, and is supported by a dedicated group of visual and tactile entrepreneurs.
As a retrospective Now and Then offers exactly that the past, the now, the foundation, and lots of enrolment application information tucked into every crinkly concord of the vestibule. This exhibition definitely offers a unique way of viewing Perth Tech and all its idiosyncrasies as a training institution over the many decades of its existence.
