Draw’ dropping iconic pop art works incoming in 2023
Draw’ dropping iconic pop art works incoming in 2023
Are you ‘drawn’ to art? Would you spend all your ‘Monet’ flitting around art exhibitions? Does the prospect of missing a Pop Art exhibition make you hot under the ‘collage’? Well listen up friends because our contemporary cultural precinct HOTA, Home of the Arts, is gearing up to host Pop Masters: Art from the Mugrabi Collection, New York, opening 18 February 2023. This world premiere exhibition is sourced entirely from the famed private collection of one of the world’s most prominent art collectors, Jose Mugrabi, which will impress the ‘paints’ right off any art enthusiast. And yes we agree, we should draw the line with the puns right about now, coz they’re getting a bit sketchy.
Celebrating the origins and ongoing legacy of Pop Art, this blockbuster spectacle will showcase more than 40 works never-before-seen here in Australia. Created by the who’s who of legendary artist notoriety, even those of us who nodded off in year nine art class will know these household names. We’re talking art world royalty like 1970’s and 80’s icons Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Andy Warhol in conversation with artists at the top of their trade today.
To ensure things get off to a flying ‘art’, more than ten awe-inspiring works by the Pop Art movement personified, Mr Andy Warhol, will introduce the showcase. Not only did this man redirect the course of art history but thanks to him, Campbell’s soup will always be a vibe. This exciting collection includes iconic portraits Sixteen Jackies (1964) and his deeply personal painting, Cross (1982), and will leave us all fangirling/fanboying/fantheying. But deep breathing guys and take it ‘easel’, coz this exhibition is packed to the ‘crafters’ with a lot more ‘draw’ stopping art.
Speaking of, Keith Haring’s works are also a big drawcard, famed for their morphing of Pop Art and Street Art. Visitors will be privy to a viewing of the celebrated Untitled (Dancing Dogs), alongside one of his earliest works from 1979 and no, there is no connection to the Smashing Pumpkins banger #soz.
Also on the list is one of the most influential artists this century, Jean-Michel Basquiat, including his iconic painting New York, New York (1981), and a collaboration between himself and Andy Warhol. We haven’t been this excited about a collab since Brittany and Madge teamed up in the noughties, or since Ed Sheeran teamed up with e.v.e.r.y.o.n.e.
Other artists on display include Katherine Bernhardt, Kwesi Botchway, George Condo, Damien Hirst, KAWS, Barbara Kruger, Joel Mesler, Richard Prince, Tom Sachs, Julian Schnabel, Mickalene Thomas and Tom Wesselmann. Contemporary highlights include works by KAWS such as the 2.8-metre-tall sculpture What Party (2018), and If it sees, blind it. There’s also a section from Barbara Kruger’s famed 2009 installation Between being born and dying.
Showing locals and visitors just how culturally on-point we are, this is a unique and bespoke experience not to be missed. So be sm-art, round up your arty farty mates, and get ready to book pronto. Tickets are priced from $25 and will go on sale from Thursday 24th of November for HOTA members, Monday 28th for HOTA subscribers and Thursday 1st of December for the general public.
Where: HOTA, Home of The Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
When: 10am – 4pm Monday – Friday, Saturday 18 February – Sunday 4 June 2023
Words by Bianca Trathen.
It’s the moment the arts community, and indeed the public of the Gold Coast have been waiting a little while for (drum roll) the shiny new Home of the Arts (HOTA) Gallery is now open! And what a great complement to an already incredible arts precinct this is going to be!
While the tickets to access the gallery this weekend were already sold out, the opening weekend is set to make you excited. There will be artworks both indoors and out that celebrate the diversity, richness and ambition of the Gold Coast. Coinciding with live music across both the Saturday and Sunday daytimes, the experience — even for those without access to the gallery (for now) — is set to be a great one-off experience still.
On Saturday 8th May, the music program will serve as a vibrant soundtrack to the buzz of excitement and anticipation at the Gallery and its surroundings. Music will kick off from 11am to 3.30pm with a line up on the Outdoor Stage featuring the fiery instrumentation from Hussy Hicks, dreamy psych-pop from Echo Wave, the colourful sounds of Samba, Bossa Nova from Augusta Street, the hip hop and traditional rhythms from young First Nations band, Jarulah and Blackline Band and the funky, disco vibes from DJ Felix.
On Sunday 9th May, you’re encouraged to experience ‘Echoes of Gold’, featuring performances by: Eliza & The Delusionals, Donny Love, DENNIS. and DJ sets by VICES to name a few. All hosted by Kate Baggerson and Zac Fahey, with live on-stage interviews with artists, musos, and industry movers & shakers, the line-up will be nothing short of exciting.
And to amplify that local Gold Coast flavour, even more, The Design Collective Markets will be on-site showcasing a selection of Gold Coast and Queensland artisan makers and retailers for a pop-up market of boutique wares and gifts! Not forgetting the mix of food trucks/outlets, local beers, it’s lining up to be solid Sunday in our eyes. On a picnic blanket or standing with a cold one in hand — either way, it’s an unmissable Gold Coast event.
If you did secure tickets to the opening, in the opening exhibition, titled Solid Gold: Artists from Paradise, be sure to keep an eye out for local artist Aaron Chapman’s inclusion — we have it on good authority it will be big and bright! You simply can’t miss it.
Internationally, the Contemporary Masters from New York: Art from the Mugrabi Collection exhibition (13 November 2021 – 27 February 2022) will be showcased in the new 1000m2 main exhibition gallery a stunning space featuring approximately 70 works from some of the world’s most influential contemporary artists including Andy Warhol.
And if you decide to hold off on visiting the Gallery until after Friday 14th May, you can then check out the incredible new Palette Restaurant and Exhibitionist Bar. Both of which where you will find deftly put-together food and tantalising cocktails await with enigmatic views of our skyline and hinterland.
The Gold Coast art scene is set to flourish, folks!
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
When: Opening weekend – Saturday 8 May & Sunday 9 May 2021
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
You may have heard the exciting news that Gallery at HOTA is set to open on Saturday 8th May. Along with it, a new rooftop bar, the Exhibitionist Bar will also be unveild, which will be the perfect chance to grab a cocktail or two from its elevated deck with unparalleled views of the hinterland — after taking in some art, of course. But it gets better. HOTA has now also enthusiastically disclosed an equally incredible space to tantalise your taste buds. Behold – Palette Restaurant!
Much like the gallery itself, Palette aims to impress and captivate its guests with a modern Australian menu, a fully curated wine list, degustation menus inspired by the major exhibitions all whilst having the capacity for up to 120 people with indoor and veranda seating options available. *chefs kiss*
It appears the art (and food) scene here on the Gold Coast is about to jump up into an entirely different gear.
Leading the kitchen is Chef Dayan Harthill-Law. Dayan is no stranger to fine food establishments; stints at The Star, Press Club, Dinner by Heston, Vanitas and Quay (often voted Australia’s best restaurant) should undoubtedly cement his culinary pedigree and assure us of the deliciousness we can look forward to.
“You can expect all the great aspects of fine dining, fresh local, high-quality produce with amazing provenance, knowledgeable staff but without any stuffy bow ties or waistcoats,” said Dayan.
“Nautical seafood bonito cooked in native ginger leaf, or dry-aged Burrawong Gaian duck with sauce of rosella and fermented riberry are just a sample of what you will see on our main menu along with delicious desserts featuring local distillery caramel, rich cream,” he said. Sounds very fancy to us!
The menu will make vegans and vegetarians feel entirely welcome also — “Palette will also boast an extensive vegetarian menu featuring enticing starters of Vegan Clouds, Beetroot tartlets, and Oxheart tomato tartare as well as an indulgent main menu consisting of House-made silken tofu with Watermelon radish, Blue Quandong, Native tamarind, Lemon myrtle and Grilled Oyster mushroom glazed in mushroom miso Purslane, sorrel, flowers,” he said. A veggie mouthful indeed.
The sophisticated new venue, influenced by Australian painter William Robinson’s stunning artwork, The Rainforest, will subtly align elements from this artwork and showcase inspiration incorporated into the dining space.
HOTA Head of Culinary Arts, David Ashford says “The Rainforest provided plenty of inspiration and will tie both The Exhibitionist Bar and Palette into the design of the building”.
“We’re excited because the dining scene is evolving on the Gold Coast, and we are looking forward to being a part of this space where quality food and flavours take the front of house,” he said.
We’re excited too David, we’re excited too.
Where: Gallery at HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Hours: TBA
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
If you’ve done any travelling overseas — or taken a casual stroll through the back lanes of Melbourne — you might have noticed a culture of street art and murals that simply leave you in awe. Not one to be far behind, the Gold Coast has been creating urban-based pieces of art at an impressive pace for the last several years, further confirming our slow burn and steady rise as a hub of culture in the land down under.
You may pass by these pieces without noticing them, or worse, not even know of their existence. And for the sake of the hard work and talent that has gone into them, we think that would be an utter travesty. And as our art scene is only going in one direction (up), we thought it fitting to give you the lowdown on the city’s most notable and impressive pieces of outside/mural art! (listed from north to south).
Water Walls Project — Hope Island
As part of an installation for the Commonwealth Games, Creative Road commissioned local favourite Kiel Tillman (and others) to create some street art on bare spots across the Coast as a legacy to the games, with exceptional results. This piece is an impressive bird painted on the side of an unassuming little building facing the road — therefore, it’s unlikely you’ll miss it.
Where: Oxenford Southport Road & Pendraat Parade, Hope Island
Abbott Park, Parkwood
The Gold Coast City Council commissioned local artist Fiona Hutchinson-Mackenzie to create a community art mural in Abbott Park. Unfortunately, the drive behind it was mostly to deter vandalism. However, good things can come from bad. The beautiful, brightly coloured piece depicts the Surfers Paradise skyline and a little basketball action to boot.
Where: Abbott Park, Parkwood
Golden Walls — Ichiban Lane + Davison Lane Southport
You may have ventured past these dreamlike alleys in the Southport CBD and wondered how on earth it’s possible to paint something so good. Well, get this, some of the work was completed in one day and completely improvised — yes, you read that correctly. The artists behind the alley art are world-renowned Brisbane artist SOFLES and Lachlan Hansen – an artist of 40/40 Creative on the Coast. If you’re in the area, we say treat your eyeballs to some clever artwork hinged on depicting Asian cultures within the community.
Where: Off Scarborough Street, and Davison Lane, Southport
HOTA, Bundall
Created by Melbourne-based artist Mike Makatron, the pieces were commissioned to brighten up the cultural precinct, and what a great job he did of it! When you go to check out the newly opened Gallery — as if that isn’t enough — be sure to seek out these two outbuildings. They are a feast for the eyes with so many colourful aspects that you can expect to lose some serious time gazing up at them.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Bundall
Mexicali, Nobby Beach
No doubt you’ve spied this pretty piece on your travels to Nobby Beach on a margarita fuelled odyssey of fun. Designed and painted by local legend Luke Day, the colourful creation has quickly become a favourite Instagram opportunity for, well, pretty much everyone with a phone. In enchanting hues of pink and blue, it’s so Gold Coast, it hurts!
Where:1/2223 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach
AWOL Brewery, Burleigh Heads
The innovative crew behind Black Hops are right back at it again with their sister project, AWOL Brewery. With inventive work taking place inside, there was a call to ensure their space looked the goods inside and out. Kiel Tillman was naturally brought in to create some funky and unprecedented illustrative work — be sure to check it out, and don’t forget to grab a beer!
Where: AWOL, 4 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
Tugun Fruit Market, Tugun
Does this man ever stop? He’s created countless cool projects over the years, but this one we feel is the jewel in the crown of Kiel Tillman’s talents. The Welcome to the Gold Coast mural painted onto the side of Tugun Super Market is nearly impossible to miss, and for those who have just touched down in the sunshine state: what an entrance!
Where: 499 Gold Coast Highway, Tugun
Southern Cross University, Bilinga
Involving over 50 litres of paint and taking over a month to create this incredible ten storey high artwork is quite an artistic achievement. Created by Guido van Helten, a Brisbane-raised artist, the piece depicts an ultra-realistic-looking man and a woman looking back toward the campus. Taking it in makes you wonder how somebody could paint something so realistic, while at the same time not being able to see the bigger picture (literally).
Where: Gold Coast Airport, Terminal Drive, Bilinga
The Pink Hotel, Coolangatta
The bracing sight of The Pink Hotel in Coolangatta is a somewhat (welcome) sensory overload by anyone’s standard. Like many, we were excited when the dilapidated corner building was given an entirely new lease of life nearly three years back. Part of that is the ever-changing mural wall on the north-facing side closet to the beach. The artwork has recently undergone a new design in conjunction with Stone & Wood and artist Jamie Peters (AKA @poongoat) – but keep your eyes peeled because it won’t take too long for it to change again!
Where: 171 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
