▶ PRESS: JAMES GUPPY, ROBERT BOYNES & AL MUNRO IN HABITUS

James Guppy, Robert Boynes and Al Munro are featured in the current issue of habitus magazine. The article focuses on the juxtaposition of classic design and contemporary art.


The works by James Guppy and Robert Boynes are pictured in the 'Botanical and human' section of the article, whilst Al Munro's work is on the 'Geometric and abstract' page.










Reproduced in: habitus, Issue 13 2011, pp. 40-42

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Top: James Guppy, 'The Struggle',acrylic on linen. 137 x 91cm

Centre: Robert Boynes, 'Next Exit', acrylic on canvas, timber - diptych, 120 x 164cm 

Bottom: Al Munro, 'Small Blue-Black Mineral Crystal', screen print and glitter flocking on Stonehenge paper- unique (framed), 112 x 76cm

▶ JEWELLER SPOTLIGHT: AL MUNRO

Currently glistening in the Gallery are constructed brooches by Al Munro. The artist herself was proudly sporting one at her Drinks with the Artist, celebrating her exhibition ‘Crystallography’ earlier this year, and it caught the eyes of many.

‘Crystallography' featured a collection of sparkling crystallographic diagrams inspired by the scientific field of the same name. Along one wall were coruscating wall-mounted sculptures, reminiscent of mountain peaks. Some incorporated matt sections, fluorescent colours and metallic patches. Her jewellery collection is an extension of her sculptures, providing wondrous handcrafted glister.

Munro’s ‘Pattern’s that aren’t’ pins are small organic clusters of geometric points of various sizes, colours and luminous effects that are supported by a strong pin. As the medium is cardboard, they are very lightweight, making them practical for thick as well as thin materials. These gorgeous shimmering pieces are a wonderful way to add a bit of sparkle to any wardrobe.

▶ MELINDA LE GUAY AND AL MUNRO, CLOSING 4 JUNE

A reminder to visit the shows by Melinda Le Guay and Al Munro before they close on Saturday 4 June.

Adjectives ranging from delicate to spiky have been used by the press to describe the dresses in Melinda Le Guay's current sculpture exhibition. The various embellishments including fishhooks, thorns and sharp pins, pierce the bodices of the wire garments and the titles of the works highlight the underlying threatening nature of the series.

We are pleased to announce that four of Al Munro's works from the 'Mineral Crystal' series have been acquired by Artbank for their collection. The 'Mineral Crystal' series features screen prints of the knit wire sculptures Munro creates to represent the arrangement of atoms within a solid. Each print is a unique work and each design is flocked with a different coloured glitter. Munro melds the fields of art and science and creates a sparkly representation of the mathematical coding of crystals.

▶ AL MUNRO: PURCHASED BY ARTBANK

Al Munro, 'Brown Mineral Crystal', 'Long Black Mineral Crystal II', 'Dark Green Mineral Crystal', 'Large Grey Mineral Crystal' 2010,
screen print and glitter flocking on Stonehenge paper - unique (framed) 112 x 76cm

Established in 1980, Artbank purchases contemporary Australian art in order to support and promote emerging artists. The program was initiated by the Australian Government and is now part of the Office of the Arts with over 10,000 artworks in the collection. To gain revenues to maintain and expand the collection, Artbank rents works to businesses and individuals across the country.

Brenda May Gallery is pleased to announce that four of Al Munro's unique screen prints from her 'Mineral Crystal' series have been acquired by Artbank for their collection. Munro's current exhibition considers the science of crystallography which studies the arrangement of atoms within a solid. Artbank previously purchased work for their collection from Munro's Future Farming show.

▶ MELINDA LE GUAY + AL MUNRO, OPENING 14 MAY

New work by MELINDA LE GUAY and AL MUNRO will be on view starting Tuesday 10 May 2011. Please join the artists for a drink to celebrate the launch of their solo exhibition at the Gallery on Saturday 14 May from 4-6pm.

Andrew Taylor featured Le Guay's upcoming exhibition of etherial, knitted wire dresses in a half page article in Art & Culture in The Sun-Herald, published on the 24th of April. Le Guay says the dress "suggests an inner world of discord and struggle for perfection whilst maintaining an outward appearance of grace and beauty."

Left: Melinda Le Guay,  'Battle Dress' 2011, enamelled copper wire, synthetic thread, feathers, fish hooks, glass beads, 80 x 37 x 9cm
Right: Al Munro, 'Purple Mineral Crystal’ 2010, screenprint + glitter on Stonehenge paper, 113 x 76cm

Crystallography is the field of science which studies the arrangement of atoms within a solid. According to Munro, "My work takes as its starting point a number of crystallographic diagrams which function as descriptions of the natural world in terms of mathematical code, but which, like any code or language, can be spoken and written in unintended ways."

The Gallery is also pleased to announce the long awaited return of Sam Robinson's wonderful decal porcelain bowls, cups and illuminators. We look forward to welcoming you to the Gallery to view the new exhibitions as well as the new additions to our stockroom.

▶ AL MUNRO: FEATURE ARTIST ON ARTWHATSON

Al Munro was the Featured Artist in artwhatson's email newsletter (click to view). Her upcoming exhibition 'Crystallography' will be on view at the Gallery starting 10 May.