MCA

*Museum of Contemporary Art Australia*

Vision: “Engage audiences with contemporary art and ideas through the presentation of a diverse program of exhibitions and special events onsite and offsite. Dedicated to exhibiting, collecting and interpreting the work of today’s artists.”

The Museum of Contemporary Art is an art gallery and space like no other; located in an iconic area of Sydney’s harbour, the MCA opened its doors to the world back in 1991. Undergoing a breathtaking redevelopment in 2012 this transformation introduced spacious galleries on two levels for exhibitions including an entire level dedicated to the MCA Collection: National Centre for Creative Learning. On top of this whilst visiting one can except to see a series of site-specific commissions, take part in a workshop and guided tour or perhaps enjoy a relaxing and satisfying meal at the Rooftop MCA Café overlooking the harbour and end the day off with quick (or extended) stop by the quirky gift shop.

Not many people are aware but the MCA is a not for profit organisation; raising over 70% of its revenue from non-governmental sources. Along with my passion for art and culture this was a major factor as to why I became a member to support a locally based Art Museum that is truly providing the goods. I was also fortunate enough to meet Ciara Timlin, Supporter Engagement Manager of the MCA during a guided tour who interviewed my father and I and took some snaps on the rooftop as pictured below for the MCA Magazine Art Matters (one feature of being a member, along with discounts to the gift shop, cafes and free access to all exhibitions and members lounge).

A trip here is not to be missed nor overlooked; embrace and appreciate the moment, the surroundings, and the creative things in life.

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Featuring: 
'Being Tiwi' 
 Grayson Perry: 'My Pretty Little Art Career'
Mikala Dwyer: MCA Collection
 

All Images are my own.
Thumbnail image: Jessilla Rogers

From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk

Who: Jean Paul Gauliter
What: 'From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk' Exhibition
Where: Paris
When: July 2015
Why: Why not! 

Paris is always a good idea and being on the other side of the globe I couldn’t think if anywhere more magical to escape and view a glimpse of the action and creation behind the scene of Gaultier’s fashion world. This iconic travel destination led my travelling partner and I to a vivid space; entering the life of Jean Paul Gaultier and providing us with an opportunity to explore some of the most intricate and intriguing displays of all time.   

This exhibition which took place in 2015 was organised by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts in collaboration with Maison Jean Paul Gaultier located at the Grand Palais. Paris was the tenth stop displaying the contents inside the mind of Jean Paul Gaultier and the Grand Palais certainly isn’t an unfamiliar place for either of the two…being not only the location for this ingenious designer’s first fashion show back in October 1976 but also the first exhibition Grand Palais had ever devoted to a fashion designer!

Every element of the showcase was carefully thought out by numerous talent that joined forces to create an unknown world displaying unknown pieces. From the likes of Denis Marleau and Stephanie Jasmin (Montreal theatre company) who used innovative technology to animate the fifty custom-designed mannequins and Odile Gilbert who designed ten realistic hairstyles for them to various fashion photographers and artists who provided the Paris Show with exclusive access to previously unpublished prints.

This was a showcase like no other revolving around seven themes reflecting a timeline of Gaultier’s life, featuring items from his personal history including: childhood teddy bear, snapshots of the designer’s childhood and early muses to sketches, archives, stage costumes, film footage, fashion shows and concerts. And it doesn’t stop there – displaying over one hundred and seventy-five ensembles including a repurposed bustier from his debut collection, the iconic breast-baring jumpsuit Madonna wore in 1992 and costumes designed for the beloved Kylie Minogue, Dita Von Teese and numerous other performers; the astonishing haute couture pieces’ date from 1970 to 2013.Unfortunately, this international exhibition has now come to an end but what an imaginative way to explore and convey how his designs challenge society, gender and aesthetic trends. 

Industry Experience

Industry Experience: Bassike

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and views on life but one thing that has taught me countless life lessons is internships also known as work placements, what some people may depict as free/unpaid labour or perhaps the best time of your life; whichever way you want to look at it, I truly believe it is a priceless experience and opportunity you shouldn’t let pass by.

Warning: This again is a personal view…money – it isn’t everything.
Money isn’t a big thing; sure it can hold a lot of value when accumulated but it is a possession, it comes and goes. Some people work much harder than others to receive cash flow but it is hard work that pays off and it is 100% worth the wait.

Take it from someone fresh amongst the fashion industry being exposed to numerous happenings since attending ORANA FASHION BUSINESS COLLEGE. One of these ‘happenings’ being my internship with the dream label bassike and oh my what a positive opportunity this has been. I feel everything in life happens for a reason, so let your journey flow and try be patient because it will all work out the way it’s meant to. I won’t lie, there are some horror stories up in the air on internships but in this day and age you can expect to be doing more than just coffee runs with an exception of tea making for yourself (and others – in politness). Don’t fear them or dismiss them in anyway because it could be your new career for however long you let it last.

TIP: Don’t fear *your internship is complete and you’ve gotten nothing out of it except: numerous new skills, knowledge of things you didn’t know existed, a bunch of new contacts, clothes or whatever it is you may have been gifted!* So why the hell not extend that challengingly worthy work experience and keep kicking butt because one day out of the blue as you’re happily living your life, you could (just like me) get offered a job position within the team! To hear those words is one hundred percent worth the wait (no matter how short or long it is) - some things just happen to people in an instant, others years; never compare yourself to anyone else but to the beauty of the soul that you are. So stay true to your dreams and ambitions because you wouldn’t be standing here today, accomplishing, embracing and constantly growing if it wasn’t for the spirit within carrying yourself along the way through the ups and downs to get to your desired destination.