“The mission is to make art accessible to all” The Affordable Art Fair 2024
The Affordable Art Fair has arrived in Brisbane / Meanjin for the first time, showcasing artwork from over 40 galleries under one roof. Upon entering the fair the scale of the event is evident. I can confidently say that I have never seen so many different artists showcased commercially in one place.
Fashion Collab | Brisbane Festival
The sense of community and joy present in Fashion Collab highlighted to me the importance of accessible creative outlets. Several participants I talked to emphasised the rarity of free and inclusive workshops.
In Your Dreams | Polytoxic
It is not often that I get the first line of my review handed to me during a performance. According to Polytoxic, my review should start with “five stars and checking [my] privilege”. We don’t do star ratings at Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane, but I’ll happily make an exception for Polytoxic’s new work, In Your Dreams. This show promises a line-up of glass-ceiling smashing, system dismantling, genderqueer, fiercely intersectional artists, and delivers spectacularly on this promise.
Gail Sorronda on the Art Boat | Brisbane Festival
I cannot imagine this show being nearly as impactful if it had taken place on a standard runway. The onboard installation could have easily distracted from the outfits or vice versa. However, The creativity and ingenuity of those involved allowed their art to complement one another seamlessly. Events such as these that celebrate local talent are critical, and it is always wonderful to see and meet the varied creatives of Meanjin.
First Nations Fashion: Walking in Two Worlds | Grace Lillian Lee
Ultimately, First Nations Fashion: Walking in Two Worlds succeeds in creating something that stirs emotions, restores power, speaks truth, celebrates culture while displaying First Nations fashion labels. It decolonises an industry that is ripe with racism, classism, and sexism, and replaces it with a sense of hope and harmony.