Writing About Art
One of the cardinal rules of writing is show don’t tell, so why is it that writing about art – its history, possible meanings and effect on the viewer – exerts such powerful fascination in readers and writers alike? Through introspective fiction, criticism and sweeping surveys, this powerful panel featuring Bri Lee, Daniel Browning, Anna Kate Blair, Katy Hessel and Carody Culver considers the many stories of art. Book here.
Katy Hessel: The Story of Art Without Men
Katy Hessel is an art historian, broadcaster, curator and the woman behind the podcast The Great Women Artists, where she has catalogued centuries of extraordinary, often overlooked talent and interviewed guests like Turner Prize-winner Lubaina Himid, Ali Smith and Deborah Levy. With VAULT Editor Alison Kubler, Katy talks about The Story of Art Without Men, her first book and a continuation of her mission to redress the gender imbalance in the art world, considering the women that art history forgot, ignored or erased. Book here.
David McAllister: Ballet Confidential
Have you ever wondered what happens backstage at the ballet? Internationally acclaimed dancer and former artistic director David McAllister takes us behind the scenes with Ballet Confidential, sharing gloriously gossipy anecdotes, breaking down ballet’s incredible artistry and athleticism, and answering your burning questions about pointe shoes and jockstraps as he offers an intriguing glimpse of life inside the wings. Book here.
Australian Cinema: Cast Mates by Sam Twyford-Moore
Succumb to the glamour of the silver screen with Sam Twyford-Moore’s Cast Mates, a delectable slice of social history exploring Australia’s relationship with cinema, starting with the world’s very first feature film, The Story of the Kelly Gang, made in Melbourne and released in 1906. Wryly romantic and starring all of your favourites from Errol Flynn to Peter Finch, David Gulpilil to Nicole Kidman, this is one to roll out the red carpet for. Book here.
Pitch Perfect
Tune in to this melodious conversation on the ineffable magic of music – playing it, living it and writing about it. With a stacked setlist including living legend of Australian music Kate Ceberano, iconic industry insider Stuart Coupe, longtime music journalist Noel Mengel and and first-time author G.S. Dickson, this panel hits all the right notes. Book here.
Kate Ceberano: Unsung
Kate Ceberano is renowned for her phenomenal voice and unforgettable stage presence, and now she’s flexing even more of her talents, releasing a reflective and romantic memoir, replete with her paintings, lyrics and embroidery. Talking with journalist and interviewer Frances Whiting, Kate discusses embracing the silence of the pandemic to consider how we make art and connect through music and celebrating creativity in all forms. Book here.
This article was written in partnership with our friends at Brisbane Writers Festival.
