NGV Summer

words by niall roeder

Australia’s oldest and most visited gallery is bringing the fire this summer. The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is displaying a wealth of artworks that will have you stroking your chin raising your eyebrows – including exhibitions by the likes of David Hockney, Viktor&Rolf, John Olsen and Sally Gabori.

Viktor&Rolf: Fashion Artists
Viktor&Rolf is everything that catwalk kids love – spectacular, over-the-top and avant-garde. They parade haute garments that tread the art vs. fashion line and although many wouldn’t dare be seen in one of their pieces of “wearable art”, most are impressed by the radical creativity of Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren. This exhibition, if you can call it that, features some of the daring duo’s signature ensembles, runway footage, keynote conversations with the pair, an interactive installation for kids and families, as well as bars and live music (as part of NGV: Friday Nights). Get there.

Viktor&Rolf: Fashion Artists runs 21 Oct – 26 Feb

David Hockney: Current
Ol’ Hockers is considered one of the most influential British artists of the 20^th century and at 79, is arguably Britain’s greatest living painter. The NGV, Hockney and his studio have joined forces to bring Melbourne Current – an eclectic display of over 1200 paintings, digital drawings, photography and video productions from the past 10 years. Never the one to let technology leave him behind, Hockney’s exhibit includes more than 600 iPad digital drawings, as well as iPhone and video works.

David Hockney: Current runs 11 Nov – 13 Mar

John Hockney on being a portrait subject for his brother David Hockney, and the “total utter involvement” it takes to create pictures from the heart. #DavidHockneyNGV

A post shared by National Gallery of Victoria (@ngvmelbourne) on Dec 19, 2016 at 10:16pm PST

John Olsen: The You Beaut Country
From one of Britain’s greatest living artists to one of our own, John Olsen’s lively landscapes are a feather in Australia’s artistic cap. His distinctive approach seems abstract, but don’t let him hear you say that – Olsen claims his works are “an exploration of the totality of landscape”. You Beaut Country is as much about the spirit of Australian scenery and identity as it is this 88 year old artist. This is one for locals and travellers alike.

John Olsen: The You Beaut Country runs 16 Sep – 12 Feb

Sally Gabori: Land Of All
Sally Gabori was born at Bentinck Island in Queensland’s Gulf of Carpentaria and grew up living a traditional life with her people, the Kaiadilt. This exhibition features over 30 works on loan from Queensland Art Gallery, some of which are large-scale collaborative works with other Kaiadilt women, but also includes works on bark and colourful canvas paintings. Gabori steers away from the traditional story-telling style of Aboriginal paintings and instead focuses on her Bentinck Island home and the personal significance it holds.

Sally Gabori: Land Of All runs 23 Sep – 29 Jan

#NGVFridayNights is the perfect spot to start your weekend. Enjoy our major summer exhibitions with live music, food and pop-up bars. Tickets available from $30. #DavidHockneyNGV #ViktorandRolfNGV #regram @skipping.girl

A post shared by National Gallery of Victoria (@ngvmelbourne) on Dec 6, 2016 at 11:02am PST