Latest news with #GalleryofModernArt
The National
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Glasgow exhibition showcases untold asylum seekers stories
Curated by Refugee Festival Scotland ambassador Sadia Sikandar, Unwritten Milestones: The Silent Talent Trapped in Limbo, will showcase seven black and white portraits each depicting an untold story of both struggle and resilience. The exhibition takes place in Glasgow's Gallery of Modern Art from June 13 – 15 and will feature Sadia herself as she reflects on her own six-year experience in the asylum system. 'I endured inhumane conditions and trauma during those years. It felt like sacrificing my self-respect and honour,' she explained. READ MORE: BBC issues statement after staff 'held at gunpoint and strip searched ' by IDF Sikandar added: 'My aim with this exhibition is to reflect the individual journeys of asylum seekers and the profound impact of the UK asylum backlog on people's mental health, really capturing the reality of those navigating a system that often leaves them in limbo.' Despite being an award-winning teacher and international artist, Sikandar could not work while awaiting the resolution of her asylum case. Instead, she has devoted herself to volunteering in the arts sector, in universities, and even advocating for asylum seekers' rights at the UK Parliament. Unwritten Milestones aims to expose the continued hardships faced by asylum seekers and reflects on the missed opportunities and unfulfilled dreams of those trapped in the system while also offering them a platform to share their stories. Sadia (below) collaborated with organisations such as Scottish Refugee Council and Together Reaching Higher to find participants whose stories would be featured, witn each of the seven portraits telling a personal story. (Image: Sadia Sikandar) 'Photography and storytelling allow the community to open up in a unique and artistic way,' Sadia said. 'I hope it encourages the audience to think about how they can care for and welcome those who have been ignored. 'While others celebrate milestones, many asylum seekers cannot achieve their goals due to the limitations placed on them so it's also important for me to share my voice to raise awareness: every asylum seeker should have the right to work.' Sadia added that she hopes the exhibition serves not only as a call to action for policy reform but also as a bridge for understanding. She said by facilitating connections among participants and offering them emotional support, she is creating a sense of community and empowerment. 'Many people involved in the project feel seen and heard for the first time,' Sadia said. 'This project gives them confidence, makes them feel less alone, and helps them find new connections.' (Image: Sadia Sikandar) Refugee Festival Scotland is celebrating its 25th year of promoting and commemorating art, culture and community. The festival also marks the 40th anniversary of the Scottish Refugee Council, a national charity which supports thousands of men, women and children every year as they rebuild their lives in Scotland. Sadia is one of six Refugee Festival Scotland ambassadors, a group of spokespeople for the Festival, who share their experience to help build understanding about what it means to be a refugee in Scotland. She is also shortlisted in the Refugee Festival Scotland Media Awards 2025. The exhibition is a milestone in itself for Sadia and the participants – one unwritten, until now. It is one of more than 150 events taking place across Scotland, most of which are free to attend, and involving artists and performers from more than 30 countries. Unwritten Milestones: The Silent Talent Trapped in Limbo will also be available to view at Refuweegee on Saturday 21 June in collaboration with Refuweegee, The Voice Network and Scottish Intercultural Association.
ABC News
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Acclaimed artist Tony Albert tells Virginia Trioli how he gives 'Aboriginalia' new power
The plaster warriors line the entrance to artist Tony Albert's rainforest studio, bristling with threat — except, they are only a foot tall, indignantly aiming their spears at my knees. I wince: here is a collection of some of the most awfully familiar, awfully racist bric-a-brac of the suburban 1960s: when white Australians decorated their gardens with figures of "natives", hunting among the hydrangeas. Photo shows On pink background, Virginia Trioli faces side and smiles, with text: Creative Types with Virginia Trioli. Multi-media visual artist Tony Albert calls these kitsch figures "Aboriginalia" and he collects them with a kind of calm and good humour, in the face of a mid-century legacy of purloining Indigenous imagery and faces, and turning them into décor. Some of it is weird: the once-highly popular trend of painting black Australians on black velvet; other stuff is as upsetting as it can get — the highly common household item of an ashtray featuring an Indigenous face. Tony takes old objects and gives them new power, as in this 2016 work, 'Woman hunting' (from the 'Mid Century Modern' series). ( Supplied: Queensland Art Gallery|Gallery of Modern Art/© Tony Albert ) Yes, we ashed out our cigarettes on the faces of the oldest continuing culture in the world. And Tony seeks out all these objects, gathers them up, uses them in his art and gives them another voice. "I like to think they've got their own autonomy and their own voice now," Tony says. "Everything will eventually be used in some way, shape or form. " I'd love to take the whole [lot] out of circulation. " Giving pieces new power I spent two days with Tony for an episode of Creative Types, in his airy, purpose-built Brisbane studio, and at his second home, the Queensland Art Gallery, where he worked as a curatorial assistant before committing to his practice full time. In the years since, he has become one of Australia's most awarded and recognised contemporary artists, taking his vast collections of Indigenous paraphernalia and turning them into works of great power and effect. Tony began collecting "Aboriginalia" bric-a-brac as a child. They would become the hallmark of his powerful later work. ( Supplied: Aaron Smith ) His award-winning, landmark work, Ash on Me, which features those ashtrays, showed he was an artist to be reckoned with. "I've literally had people, from the army or grown men … in tears in front of them," Tony says. "The understanding of it really has an impact. And people have shared that with me, which is really beautiful." Loading Instagram content At any one time, Tony has hundreds of searches live on eBay, his feelers out for all of these collectibles. He's had to turn off notifications. Otherwise, his phone will ping all day with new items. He's been collecting since he was a child, visiting op-shops with his sister and gathering objects of people who looked like him. "I assumed they were kind of famous people because how do you get on a plate?" Re-used in Tony's installations or wall-pieces, the objects take on a new power and significance, their autonomy and voice no longer "pre-prescribed to them through non-Indigenous voice". Anger and optimism Tony's star continues to rise: Thames and Hudson has included him in a lavish book called Collecting: Living with Art, and alongside some of Australia's most glamorous households are Tony's vast collections of "Aboriginalia". He was appointed director of the 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial, which opens in December, and some of his most beautiful photographs — of kids in the Aboriginal community Warakurna in WA, posing as superheroes — will be included in the world's longest-running and most prestigious photography festival, Les Recontres d'Arles. On Creative Types, Tony explains how his practice takes in photography, installation, video and sculpture. ( Supplied: Aaron Smith ) It's a successful time for Tony, but like other high-profile Indigenous Australians, he has had to cop the blow from the "no" vote in the Voice referendum and try to move forward. "Optimism in the face of adversity is how I managed to survive through life. And it's a personal choice I think I've made. I've been angry. I still am angry, but the way in which I choose to carry myself and to be able to deal with and live in the society I do is through optimism. "[It's] the simplest answer for me. And it works." Watch Creative Types with Virginia Trioli: Tony Albert on Tuesday April 29 at 8.30pm on ABC TV, or stream the whole series now on .
Telegraph
17-04-2025
- Telegraph
How to plan the perfect getaway to Queensland
From the white-sand isles of The Whitsundays to the lush canopies of the Daintree Rainforest; the mountainous hinterlands of the Sunshine Coast and the underwater lure of the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland is as diverse as it is spectacular. Wildlife-watching, diving, hiking, 4x4 drives and other cultural explorations are among the many adventures on offer here – and thanks to Singapore Airlines' one-stop flights from Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester to Brisbane and Cairns, it's easier than you might think to reach, with award-winning service and an exceptional on-board experience that will help you kick off your travels in style. Here are two itineraries to give you a flavour of what to expect. Itinerary one: Queensland highlights Cultural explorations in Brisbane From cutting-edge restaurants to rooftop bars, contemporary galleries to scenic nature spots, Brisbane makes an ideal base from which to kick off a trip around the Sunshine State of Queensland. After flying direct to Brisbane with Singapore Airlines, any visit to Queensland's capital should start with a stroll along South Bank, where manicured lawns line a picturesque riverfront. Visit the manmade Streets Beach to lounge by a white-sand, cerulean lagoon or cool off with a swim, before browsing the Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Museum. Climb the Story Bridge for a sky-high adventure, visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to learn more about these adorable endangered creatures or take a boat to Moreton Island. One of the world's biggest sand islands, it's a happily secluded spot, with honeyed sand dunes tumbling into an expanse of serene, aquamarine water. All these thrills will set you up nicely for an exploration of Brisbane' equally adventurous dining scene. Make a pilgrimage to Howard Smith Wharves, a bustling hotspot for foodies, where your palate can travel continents, from Cantonese cuisine at Stanley's to classic Italian dishes at Ciao Papi. Beach to mountains on the Sunshine Coast From Brisbane, travel around 90 minutes north to reach the Sunshine Coast – a 60-mile stretch of coastline backed by mountainous hinterland. Beyond the swathes of gold beaches, you'll find three Unesco Biosphere Reserves here, alongside the quaint coastal towns of Noosa and Mooloolaba, and rural spots like Eumundi, known for its creative vibe and huge artisanal market. It's also the home of the renowned Noosa National Park and the Noosa Everglades, one of only two everglades systems on the planet. Book a kayaking or canoeing tour to see its emerald waterways up close – 40 per cent of Australia's bird species live among its wetlands. Adventures abound here, too; head inland to the Glass House Mountains to hike among the dramatic, volcanic peaks, or keep going north of Noosa on the coast and take a 4x4 drive along the Great Beach Drive to the unmistakable K'gari (formerly Fraser Island). Island paradise in The Whitsundays For snow-white sand, electric-turquoise water as well as spectacular diving and snorkelling, The Whitsundays is unmissable. This archipelago of 74 islands sits on the Great Barrier Reef and is easily accessible from Brisbane, with daily Virgin Australia flights to Hamilton Island and Proserpine offered as part of a codeshare with Singapore Airlines. Popular highlights here include Whitehaven Beach, known for its bright-white silica sand, and the aptly named Heart Reef, whose coral formations sit in a perfect heart shape. Book an overnight sailing trip or yacht charter to combine the better-known islands with some of the archipelago's hidden treasures; it's genuinely beautiful, and many of its isles still feel pristine. Itinerary two: Tropical North Queensland Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef If you fancy exploring the natural charms of Far North Queensland, Singapore Airlines' flights to Cairns make it easy. This tropical, warm-weather city might be best-known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, but it's also worth visiting in its own right, thanks to its trendy restaurants, cafes and galleries that blend with indigenous culture to create a laid-back, friendly vibe. North Queensland is home to two of the world's oldest living cultures, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. You could also take a dip in the Esplanade Lagoon, an outdoor pool offering idyllic ocean views, and if you'd prefer a more cultural exploration, pay a visit to Cairns Art Gallery or Cairns Night Markets. If you're here to explore the Great Barrier Reef, you won't be short-changed. Vibrant and full of life, a whole kaleidoscope of marine life inhabit the surrounding waters. The experiences available to visitors are as varied as the reef – whether it's snorkelling or scuba diving, enjoying an aerial view or simply soaking it up from a secluded sand cay. Set within the Wet Tropics of Queensland, Cairns and the popular beachside resorts of Palm Cove and Port Douglas are surrounded by rainforest, and a trip on the Kuranda Scenic Railway is the best way to see its cascading waterfalls and tumbling, tree-carpeted slopes from the comfort of a heritage carriage. The world's oldest tropical rainforest The true jewel in Far North Queensland's crown is the Daintree Rainforest. the ancient rainforest is older than the Amazon, and is estimated to have been around for no less than 180 million years. Located 124km north of Cairns, it's easily accessible either independently or on a tour – and both provide some of the most spectacular views you'll see on your trip. Look out for some indigenous-led tour options available to gain a deeper insight into the culture of the region's traditional owners. A clutch of eco-lodges and retreats lie within the lush canopy if you want to stay right in the heart of it, while riverboat cruises can take you to explore its myriad wildlife, from crocodiles to wallabies, kangaroos, frogs and more than 400 species of bird. Expect tumbling waterfalls, twisting vines, majestic mountain peaks and hidden-away swimming holes as you explore this beguiling wilderness, and get a glimpse into just one of many places that make Queensland so special. Icons of the Sky Discover dream destinations and learn about Singapore Airlines' award-winning cabins and services at Fly non-stop to Singapore from Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester with a choice of 40 weekly flights, and seamlessly connect to Brisbane or Cairns.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Art meets craft at Tod's Milan runway show touting 'Artisanal Intelligence'
Tod's showcased its 'Artisanal Intelligence' behind the latest womenswear collection for next fall and winter at the Gallery of Modern Art during Milan Fashion Week on Friday. At the entrance, Italian model Carla Bruni was swathed in a leather dress crafted from strips of scrap leather, a living installation that paid tribute to Tod's craftsmanship. Nearby, artisans hand-stitched the brand's trademark Gommino car shoes in a living display of craftwork. 'Machines will never replace the hands of artisans,'' brand founder Diego della Valle told reporters before the show. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Outerwear prevailed at the creative director Matteo Tamburini's third runway collection, featuring tailored leather trenches, intarsia shearling furs and cozy, woolen pea coats. Knitwear alternatively hugged the body over asymmetrical leather skirts, or was belted over sheer skirts. Blouses with broad shoulders meant business, paired with neat trousers. Tamburini said he studied artists' surface treatments to produce the pieces, mimicking their strokes with brushed alpaca wool, combed jacquard and patchwork leather. Actor Keira Knightley was a front-row guest.
Associated Press
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Art meets craft at Tod's Milan runway show touting ‘Artisanal Intelligence'
Tod's showcased its 'Artisanal Intelligence' behind the latest womenswear collection for next fall and winter at the Gallery of Modern Art during Milan Fashion Week on Friday. At the entrance, Italian model Carla Bruni was swathed in a leather dress crafted from strips of scrap leather, a living installation that paid tribute to Tod's craftsmanship. Nearby, artisans hand-stitched the brand's trademark Gommino car shoes in a living display of craftwork. 'Machines will never replace the hands of artisans,'' brand founder Diego della Valle told reporters before the show. Outerwear prevailed at the creative director Matteo Tamburini's third runway collection, featuring tailored leather trenches, intarsia shearling furs and cozy, woolen pea coats. Knitwear alternatively hugged the body over asymmetrical leather skirts, or was belted over sheer skirts. Blouses with broad shoulders meant business, paired with neat trousers. Tamburini said he studied artists' surface treatments to produce the pieces, mimicking their strokes with brushed alpaca wool, combed jacquard and patchwork leather.
