Louise Bourgeois (2/5)
Guggenheim Museum, New York 24th August 2008

Depressing - with a few exceptions. Bourgeois' disturbed life plagues her paint and sculpture work - if you like dark and moody this is for you with its overtones of loneliness and violence.

Sid's Waltzing Masquerade (Aszure Barton) (3.5/5) Sydney Dance Company
CarriageWorks, Sydney 22nd October 2008

Fun. A montage of short numbers linked by lust to a kaleidoscope of musical styles. Great lead by Bradley Chatfield. Good to see SDC stop taking itself so seriously and start to enjoy dancing.

Abstract Earth (3.5/5) (photographer: Richard Woldendorp)
SH Ervin Gallary, Sydney 22nd June 2008

Intriguing and colourful aerial shots of (mainly) outback Australia. Quite an amazing view point laced with stunning colours of an almost alien world, well worth seeing.

Archibald Prize (c/w Sulman & Wynne Prizes) (2.0/5)
Art Gallery of NSW 17th May 2008

The Archibald has become too safe and bias towards self-portraits. The Wynne and Sulman with their variety in medium and style offer something for everyone without excelling or linking well as a complete exhibit.

Pierre Bismuth (2.5/5)
Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane 16th June 2008

It takes time and patience to watch each video that individually are a witty deconstruction of movie making conventions, collectively one feels unfulfilled. Perhaps more comfortable seating is needed or an antidote to the impression that this exhibit has been squeezed into a space too small.

News

You'll notice a gap in blogs between April and late October 2008. Show-going almost came to a stop - those of you who know me will know why. Now it's time to catch-up so I'm posting all the shows and exhibitions seen in the intervening period as quickly as I can. Most will have moved on, a few you will still be able to catch.

Jeff Koons (3.5/5)
Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago 15th August 2008

Koons' metamorphic transformation of everyday sights and objects into something bright, colourful and humorous is both intriguing and questioning. Be prepared to be challenged whilst enjoying the humour; and especially challenged by his foray into porn. 3.5