Acca Podcast

What is Conceptual Art? How can we do away with Visual Litter? Tai Snaith and Agatha Gothe-Snape talk about the practice of deep thinking and the process of taking ideas apart. They discuss the fine balance of keeping all the parts of the ‘plait’ of one’s life even and neatly braided, and what it means to follow a series of decisions to consciously take away anything extraneous to create strong, clear work. Agatha talks about her ongoing desire to ‘cut through the conceptual fog with a sharp knife’ and even her lifelong goal to be a mascot for Puzzling World. Additional Resources: Mitch Cairns’ Archibald-winning portrait: https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/prizes/archibald/2017/29825/ Every Artist Remembered: https://agathagothesnape.net/every-artist-remembered-2017/every-artist-remembered-2017 Lawrence Weiner; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Weiner Puzzling World NZ: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puzzling_World

How can mockery and humour be used as a tool for survival? How do you write yourself into a history that has always favoured men? In this conversation Tai Snaith and Paola Balla go on a raucous storytelling romp through Paola’s vibrant past, recounting her ‘triple-whammy of Otherness’ as a young Wemba Wemba/Gunditjmara woman, with an Italian dad and a Chinese surname in Echuca/Moama in the '80s. Paola talks about the strong influence of indigenous women’s voices like Aunty Marge Tucker, and the links to the incredibly powerful artwork she continues to make around this to this day. Additional resources: https://www.facebook.com/WARcollective/ https://www.vic.gov.au/aboriginalvictoria/community-engagement/leadership-programs/aboriginal-honour-roll/2013-victorian-aboriginal-honour-roll/margaret-tucker-mbe-c.html http://www.fnawn.com.au/the-bennelong-letter-voice-of-a-wangal-diplomat/ https://www.djukimala.com/ https://www.naidoc.org.au/news/2018-national-naidoc-theme-announced https://www.naidoc.org.au/abo

Is a painting like a poem? How do we make our own rules when we are painting? In this conversation Tai Snaith and Laura Skerlj discuss their migrant roots in Australia and how this affects the ethics of how they live and work. Laura shares her secret practice of writing ‘tragic poems’ and how these are slowly creeping into her paintings. They share their love of double meanings and layering of possibilities in our palettes alongside other women painters they admire. Additional resources: http://lauraskerlj.com/ http://www.xavierhufkens.com/artists/lesley-vance http://www.anncraven.com/

How can we share an experience without using words? What is it like to feel the push and pull of presence and hiding? Tai Snaith and Archie Barry chat honestly about what role identity plays in Archie’s practice and how they are interested in expressing that identity in a non-visual way. They discuss the beautiful and sometimes frustrating ‘slipperiness’ of language and how cultivating the agency and capacity to connect with an audience can be a truly energising and grounding experience. Additional resources: https://archiebarry.com/tatsache/ https://archiebarry.com/hypnic/ https://www.discovervedanta.com/equation-you-are-that.htm

How can we make Culture rather than Art? Is the sky a black velvet blanket? Tai Snaith's podcast series returns with 13 more conversations with mid-career and emerging women and non-binary artists whom she admires. In episode one, Tai and Lucreccia Quintanilla discuss how having a punk attitude and how not necessarily wanting to fit in can be a good thing. Lucreccia talks about a process of finding ‘her people’ and then simply asking ‘what do we wanna do?’ as a way to begin making work. Together they share their love of the power of the dance floor and the mystery of the conch.  Additional resources: http://lucreccia-quintanilla.squarespace.com/ https://www.banffcentre.ca/programs/banff-artist-residence-summer-2018 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octavia_E._Butler https://acca.melbourne/explore/podcasts/a-world-of-ones-own/

Internationally acclaimed Irish-born, London-based artist Eva Rothschild discusses her new and recent sculptural works with Max Delany Artistic Director and CEO, ACCA in the lead up the first survey exhibition of her work in Australia at ACCA. This conversation is presented in partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria. This event was recorded on Saturday 22 September 2018, hosted at the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. Further references: https://acca.melbourne/exhibition/eva-rothschild/

This forum considers the role of the curator in relation to Indigenous artists and communities, and address some of the challenges and recent trends in curating Indigenous art today, as well as what the future might look like for Indigenous art and curatorial practice in Australia and internationally. Convened by Hannah Presley, Curator, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, Melbourne Guest speakers: Tina Baum, Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra Bruce McLean, Curator of Indigenous Australian Art at the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane Coby Edgar, Assistant Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, Art gallery of New South Wales, Sydney; This event was recorded on Monday 27 August 2018 Resources: https://acca.melbourne/exhibition/a-lightness-of-spirit-is-the-measure-of-happiness/ https://acca.melbourne/program/indigenous-art-and-curatorial-practice/

Diversity has become an increasingly popular concept, but what if we thought about diversity as more than the inclusion of difference? In this lecture, writer, arts worker and community organiser, Eugenia Flynn explores alternative narratives, ideas of re-centring and notions of multiplicity in order to challenge and provoke. This lecture is presented by WRITING & CONCEPTS alongside ACCA’s exhibition 'A Lightness of Spirit is the Measure of Happiness' (2018). This lecture was recorded on Thursday 13 September 2018. Resources: https://acca.melbourne/exhibition/a-lightness-of-spirit-is-the-measure-of-happiness/ http://writingandconcepts.com.au/index.php/2018-speaker-series/ https://acca.melbourne/program/writing-concepts-eugenia-flynn-beyond-indifference-more-than-difference/

Jenny Schlenzka, recently appointed Artistic Director of Performance Space New York, speaks about new challenges for Performance Space New York and focus on the new direction she is bringing to the organisation, and reflect upon new developments and challenges curating and exhibiting performance art. This keynote lecture is presented as part of MEL&NYC, a citywide cultural festival celebrating all things Melbourne and New York City from June to August 2018. Supported by the Victorian Government. This lecture was recorded on 16 August 2018 at ACCA. Resources: https://performancespacenewyork.org/ https://acca.melbourne/program/jenny-schlenzka-new-challenges-for-performance-space-new-york/

Peter Waples-Crowe on Sexuality and Aboriginal Community Health Work: In this lecture, Ngarigo queer artist Peter Waples-Crowe discusses how Aboriginal community health work has influenced his art and sense of identity. This talk was recorded at ACCA on Monday 16 July 2018 Further information: https://acca.melbourne/program/uncommon-knowledge-peter-waples-crowe-on-sexuality-and-aboriginal-community-health-work/ https://acca.melbourne/exhibition/a-lightness-of-spirit-is-the-measure-of-happiness/ Image: Peter Waples-Crowe, Black Magic series 2017–18 (detail), mixed media on canvas, 30 x 30 cm (each). Courtesy the artist

Uncle Jack Charles speaks about his work in prisons and with the community, and sings 'Son of Mine' a poem by Oodgeroo Noonuccal put to music by Uncle Jack Charles. This is track 9 of 9 for Dhumba Narbethong, an afternoon of storytelling and song around the fire in the ACCA courtyard. Recorded on Saturday 7 July 2018. Specials thanks to Aunty Fay Muir, Boon Wurrung Language Custodian for the name Dhumba Narbethong (lively chats/stories). Program made possible with support of Program Partners: Indigenous Languages and Arts Program, Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages, Presenting Partner Creative Victoria and Lead Media Partner The Saturday Paper. Further info: https://acca.melbourne/exhibition/a-lightness-of-spirit-is-the-measure-of-happiness/

Black Elvis (Gnarnayarrahe Waitairie)performs at the fire for Dhumba Narbethong. This is track 8 of 9 for Dhumba Narbethong, an afternoon of storytelling and song around the fire in the ACCA courtyard. Recorded on Saturday 7 July 2018. Specials thanks to Aunty Fay Muir, Boon Wurrung Language Custodian for the name Dhumba Narbethong (lively chats/stories). Program made possible with support of Program Partners: Indigenous Languages and Arts Program, Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages, Presenting Partner Creative Victoria and Lead Media Partner The Saturday Paper. Further info: https://acca.melbourne/exhibition/a-lightness-of-spirit-is-the-measure-of-happiness/

Robert Fielding talks about fire at Dhumba Narbethong. This is track 7 of 9 for Dhumba Narbethong, an afternoon of storytelling and song around the fire in the ACCA courtyard. Recorded on Saturday 7 July 2018. Specials thanks to Aunty Fay Muir, Boon Wurrung Language Custodian for the name Dhumba Narbethong (lively chats/stories). Program made possible with support of Program Partners: Indigenous Languages and Arts Program, Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages, Presenting Partner Creative Victoria and Lead Media Partner The Saturday Paper. Further info: https://acca.melbourne/exhibition/a-lightness-of-spirit-is-the-measure-of-happiness/

Story by Vicki Couzens. This is track 6 of 9 for Dhumba Narbethong, an afternoon of storytelling and song around the fire in the ACCA courtyard. Recorded on Saturday 7 July 2018. Specials thanks to Aunty Fay Muir, Boon Wurrung Language Custodian for the name Dhumba Narbethong (lively chats/stories). Program made possible with support of Program Partners: Indigenous Languages and Arts Program, Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages, Presenting Partner Creative Victoria and Lead Media Partner The Saturday Paper. Further info: https://acca.melbourne/exhibition/a-lightness-of-spirit-is-the-measure-of-happiness/

Robbie Bundle performs his song 'Know Who You Are'. Introduced by Uncle Larry Walsh. This is track 5 of 9 for Dhumba Narbethong, an afternoon of storytelling and song around the fire in the ACCA courtyard. Recorded on Saturday 7 July 2018. Specials thanks to Aunty Fay Muir, Boon Wurrung Language Custodian for the name Dhumba Narbethong (lively chats/stories). Program made possible with support of Program Partners: Indigenous Languages and Arts Program, Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages, Presenting Partner Creative Victoria and Lead Media Partner The Saturday Paper. Further info: https://acca.melbourne/exhibition/a-lightness-of-spirit-is-the-measure-of-happiness/

Story by Uncle Larry Walsh. This is track 4 of 9 for Dhumba Narbethong, an afternoon of storytelling and song around the fire in the ACCA courtyard. Recorded on Saturday 7 July 2018. Specials thanks to Aunty Fay Muir, Boon Wurrung Language Custodian for the name Dhumba Narbethong (lively chats/stories). Program made possible with support of Program Partners: Indigenous Languages and Arts Program, Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages, Presenting Partner Creative Victoria and Lead Media Partner The Saturday Paper. Further info: https://acca.melbourne/exhibition/a-lightness-of-spirit-is-the-measure-of-happiness/

Introduction by Uncle Larry Walsh and Vicki Couzens. This is track 3 of 9 for Dhumba Narbethong, an afternoon of storytelling and song around the fire in the ACCA courtyard Recorded on Saturday 7 July 2018. Specials thanks to Aunty Fay Muir, Boon Wurrung Language Custodian for the name Dhumba Narbethong (lively chats/stories). Program made possible with support of Program Partners: Indigenous Languages and Arts Program, Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages, Presenting Partner Creative Victoria and Lead Media Partner The Saturday Paper. Further info: https://acca.melbourne/exhibition/a-lightness-of-spirit-is-the-measure-of-happiness/

Jason Tamiru introduction to Dhumba Narbethong. This is track 2 of 9 for Dhumba Narbethong, an afternoon of storytelling and song around the fire in the ACCA courtyard Recorded on Saturday 7 July 2018. Specials thanks to Aunty Fay Muir, Boon Wurrung Language Custodian for the name Dhumba Narbethong (lively chats/stories). Program made possible with support of Program Partners: Indigenous Languages and Arts Program, Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages, Presenting Partner Creative Victoria and Lead Media Partner The Saturday Paper. Further info: https://acca.melbourne/exhibition/a-lightness-of-spirit-is-the-measure-of-happiness/

Welcome to Country by N'arweet Carolyn Briggs, Boon Wurrung Elder and Director, Boon Wurrung Foundation. This is track 1 of 9 for Dhumba Narbethong, an afternoon of storytelling and song around the fire in the ACCA courtyard Recorded on Saturday 7 July 2018. Specials thanks to Aunty Fay Muir, Boon Wurrung Language Custodian for the name Dhumba Narbethong (lively chats/stories). Program made possible with support of Program Partners: Indigenous Languages and Arts Program, Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages, Presenting Partner Creative Victoria and Lead Media Partner The Saturday Paper. Further info: https://acca.melbourne/exhibition/a-lightness-of-spirit-is-the-measure-of-happiness/

Hear Yankunytjatjara artist Kaylene Whiskey from Indulkana community on the APY Lands, SA, talk about her new series 'Seven Sistas' 2018 commissioned by ACCA for 'A Lightness of Spirit is the Measure of Happiness'. Recorded on Saturday 7 July 2018. Program made possible with support of Program Partners: Indigenous Languages and Arts Program, Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages, Presenting Partner Creative Victoria and Lead Media Partner The Saturday Paper. Further info: https://acca.melbourne/exhibition/a-lightness-of-spirit-is-the-measure-of-happiness/