Friday, March 31, 2017

Clouds Oceans and Diagonal Lines - Art in Sydney this Week.

I mean really what are the chances of seeing two shows, two consecutive nights; both painting and both dealing with the elements of nature, both within a square boundary and both with visually compelling diagonal lines as integral to the compositions?
Adrian McDonald - AHAB: READING MOBY DICK at Crawford gallery.
Adrian McDonald, AHAB:Reading Moby Dick.
I would have said zero chance at all so it looks like I will need to update my art actuarial table for a start. The first show was Adrian McDonald's show AHAB:Reading Moby Dick, and while I was ready for the lines in Adrian's work I was not really expecting the series of grey scale abstractions that are the ground.. or ocean (or whale skin) that the two crossing lines rest upon. Though complex pattern is a kind of leitmotif in much of McDonald's works and one of the great joys when viewing them, I wasn't really expecting a combination quite like this. The following night I found myself at China Heights gallery for Pushing Past by Brooklyn Whelan, his first Sydney solo since Heavy Weather in late 2015. This show quite shocked me though in a positive way. This time it was the addition of a very bold and straight diagonal line punching right through the familiar Whelan cloudscape.
Portrait of Brooklyn Whelan by Kent Johnson at China Height gallery for Pushing Past.

While I am aware that the similarities between the shows are somewhat superficial, it is curious to come across two artists working from very different art backgrounds finding similar resolution, and my finding them one night after the next. So "do yourself a favour;" go check them out; meditative and beautiful to look at. Water, cloud, lines and very tight palettes.
Pushing Past is on this weekend only at China Heights Gallery 12 - 5.
AHAB:Reading Moby Dick 30 March 25 April 2017 at Crawford Gallery.
AHAB:Reading Moby Dick - (apologies for the poor image quality).

“Between black and white, there is an ocean of grey”  Adrian McDonald AHAB:Reading Moby Dick.
http://www.brooklynwhelan.com/
http://www.crawfordgallery.com.au/

Telling Stories in Pictures all over Sydney..
Kent Johnson, Sydney, Australia.
0433 796 863

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

With the Art Crowd - After the Show.

Spotted outside and after the art show on William Street last night. Boob Tube, Denim and Converse All Stars. Classic style; hard to survive rubbing shoulders with the who's who of figurative landscape paining without a few spills! Love it - and yes I asked.
Street Fashion Sydney; Boob Tube, Denim and Converse All Stars. Bags, skate board and a wheel chair in picture in front of a fire booster. Classic style. Photographed by Kent Johnson.
Curiously there used to be a an alternative crowd night club right round here called (I think) Music Cafe, mid to late 80's if anyone can recall..

Telling Stories in Pictures all over Sydney..
Kent Johnson, Sydney, Australia.
0433 796 863

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

The Second Last Show at Stills Gallery - Glenn Sloggett and Jane Brown.

Yes you read that right; this wonderful exhibition of photography by Glenn Sloggett and Jane Brown is the second to last show at Stills which is to close at the end of June! You can read all about that and the future of the gallery space - photography please!! - here on Stills about page.

Down in the dumps by Glenn Sloggett and Sporting Country by Jane Brown are two complimentary shows, Glenn working with suburban ironies and oddities that only a truly quirky eye can deliver. Both are shooting film however Jane leaves the city altogether and with only black and white film loaded into her camera. Jane's images are those of rural Australian sporting places and the typical Australian-ness of those places. The moment I saw the small scale prints I knew immediately I was looking at superb hand made, wet bench prints on fibre based paper; and they literally sing! If you are part of the younger set shooting film for the first time I cannot recommend seeing this show and these prints enough. Stunning images and printed by Jane herself. Rumour is there will be a large group show to close out the space so keep your eyes and ears open for that. in the mean time, check out this show!
Opening night portrait of Glenn Sloggett with his black balloons he was handing out to select patrons at his show, Down in the dumps, Stills Gallery, Sydney, Australia.
Opening night, Glenn Sloggett with his black balloons he was handing out to select patrons at the show.
Art patrons with black balloons survey Jane Browns photographic series, Sporting Country.
Mother and daughter, opening night at Stills Gallery. Photographed by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney.
A child with a black balloon at Jane Brown's, Sporting Country show, Stills Gallery.
Portrait of Jane Brown, opening night of, Sporting Country at Stills Gallery.
Portrait of Jane Brown, opening night of, Sporting Country at Stills Gallery.
While you can view most of the work online; if you are in Sydney go see the real prints; its a whole different world of experience!

Stills Gallery, MAR 8 - APR 8 2017
Jane Brown, Sporting Country.
Glenn Sloggett, Down in the dumps.

Telling Stories in Pictures all over Sydney..
Kent Johnson, Sydney, Australia.
0433 796 863

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Fresh Spice @ Masala Theory in Surry Hills, Sydney.

When my inbox recently received a press release about a new Indian restaurant in Surry Hills that was bowling diners over with its innovative take on Indian cuisine. Well it grabbed my attention right away as I love Indian food! However I am not one to recirculate press releases, so I offered to head on down and give Masala Theory a try, and blog a post if the food turned out as great as it sounded. Well you already know it clearly went well; read on for details of our Masala Theory (MT) taste experience below.
Beetroot Poriyal on the front veranda at Masala Theory, Surry Hills, Beetroot, mustard seeds, chillies, lentils, coconut. Photographed by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney.
After being welcomed and seated by restaurant manager Vittal Iyer, Vivienne and I kicked off with two of the new-twist house specialities from the drinks menu, Viv went for a Lavender Lassi and I opted for the 'Bubblegum' flavour - as much out of curiosity as anything else. We were both rewarded by our choices. The bubblegum being more like a mild strawberry with vanilla hints was quite to my liking and not too sweet. My taste of the Lavender lassie confirmed my own choice as I found the flavour a little too botanical for my liking, though Viv clearly enjoyed it.
Vivienne relaxes with a Lavender Lassi at Masala Theory, Surry Hills, . Photographed by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney.
We started with a main, the Chef ’s special Salli Botti, a goat curry with black cardamom, cinnamon;
an onion and tomato gravy with match-stick potatoes. Vittal explained to us that many of the dishes are based on favourite Parsi recipes familiar to himself, MT founder Yashpal Erda and chef Rushabh Rupani. The Salli Botti is a rich sauce, fresh fragrant spice, plenty of tender fall-apart goat meat complex flavour and a slow building heat. Blowing your head off with heat is not something that will happen to you at Masala Theory. There is heat here, but the real name of the game is the complex flavours you would expect from Indian curries with an accent on fresh spices and the use of micro herbs to enhance the overall taste experience - which, next up -  the Beetroot Poriyal absolutely nailed in one.
Salli Botti with Cheese Chilli Coriander Naan at Masala Theory. Chef ’s special goat curry, black cardamom, cinnamon, onion and tomato gravy, match-stick potatoes. Photographed by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney.
Plating a serve of Salli Botti with Cheese Chilli Coriander Naan at Masala Theory. Chef ’s special goat curry, black cardamom, cinnamon, onion and tomato gravy, match-stick potatoes. Photographed by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney.
Detail of Beetroot Poriyal; Beetroot, mustard seeds, chillies, lentils, coconut at Masala Theory, Surry Hills. Photographed by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney.
Beetroot Poriyal, beetroot, mustard seeds, chillies, lentils, coconut and wow! This dish is a fresh taste sensation and not like any small salad I have ever had. The Mustard seeds and Lentils are pan fried and the flavours infuse the dish; but a word of warning, these elements are quite hard and I suspect could be a dental issue for some. I skipped most of the lentils myself & quizzed Vittal about their hardness which he assured me is as it should be and as it is eaten in India. Perhaps a version with a dusting of pulverised lentils and mustard seeds might be nice for those of us with less than fabulous teeth! But what great taste, not to be missed. Next was the Eggplant Bharta, Smoked eggplant mashed with onion, tomatoes chillies and spices. When I was thinking the flavours could not get any better along comes this tandoori oven cooked smoked eggplant dish, and two competing, conflicting(?) thoughts kept pushing themselves into my mind, smokey and fresh! And fresh the spice flavours were which I suspect reinforced the smokiness of eggplant, well accompanied by a garlic naan. And then desert!
Beetroot Poriyal, Eggplant Bharta, Garlic Naan; at Masala Theory, Surry Hills, . Photographed by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney.
Eggplant Bharta resting on garlic Naan; Smoked eggplant mashed with onion, tomatoes chillies and spices at Masala Theory, Surry Hills, . Photographed by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney.
Paan Kulfi, Creamy Indian ice cream, flavoured with betel nut leaves at Masala Theory, Surry Hills, . Photographed by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney.
Just when I thought it really couldn't get any better out comes this absolutely delicious, amazing, gob smackingly moreish iced desert. The Paan Kulfi, and the menu description "Creamy Indian ice cream, flavoured with betel nut leaves" does not even begin to hint at what you are in for. Both Vivienne and I were quite literally gob smacked. If you think you have tried all the icy deserts, even if you are not hot for Indian food - no pun intended - I can certainly recommend dropping in for the Paan Kulfi desert; and you can leave your thank-yous in the comments below.

One final note, the interior of Masala Theory is super funky, retro Indian chic; and if I had taken my tripod along I would have supplied you with some shots. Great food and a great atmosphere; congratulations and thank you Masala theory. If you love Indian food or ice cream!!! definitely give them a try, details below.
Manager Vittal Iyer at Masala Theory, Surry Hills. Photographed by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney.
Masala Theory's  Vittal Iyer at Masala Theory, Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia. 
Masala Theory
 545 Crown Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 +61 2 9699 9444
Tuesday-Thursday, Sunday 12noon-3pm & 6pm-10pm
 Friday-Saturday 12noon-3pm & 6pm-10:30pm Monday Closed
www.masalatheory.com/

Lavender Lassi $7.00
Cheese Chilli Coriander Naan $5.00
Garlic Naan $4.00
Salli Botti $26.90
Beetroot Poriyal $5.90
Eggplant Bharta $20.90
Paan Kulfi $12.90

Full disclosure, Street Fashion Sydney was a guest of Masala Theory and did not pay for this meal and was not paid for this review. All views expressed are my own.

Telling Stories in Pictures all over Sydney..

Kent Johnson, Sydney, Australia.
0433 796 863


Friday, March 17, 2017

Connect Italy 2017, Sydney, Australia - Trade Show and Reception.

Connect Italy 2017 - Australia showcased the artisan skills and stylish design from Made in Italy, Italian manufacturers of shoes and leather goods, presenting their latest collections of high quality products. The informative speakers detailing the market share of Italian goods and their quality.On the MCA Terrace with Janette Lakiss, Vivienne Shui, Mr Riccardo Braccialini Connect Italy 2017, Sydney, Australia. Street Fashion Sydney by Kent Johnson.We also enjoyed a presentation on the renowned international exhibition trade shows theMICAM and MIPEL which I have to say I would love to attend at some point in my life. One of the highlights was previewing the first stage of the three year campaign, "The pleasure and the beauty of Italian shoes: lust taking centre stage for theMICAM based on the themes of Divina Commedia aka The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri, with  Purgatory, and Paradise to follow. You know the Italians are all about creativity and quality when you are told they chose Spanish Fine Art & Fashion photographer Javier Vallhonrat to shoot the campaign - in Australia this would most likely be given to the latest 'hot' photographer.. Take note Aussies! theMICAM and MIPEL showing will coincide with Italian Fashion Week for the first time, Fiera Milano, Rho, Italy 17-20 Sep 2017 with Fashion Week S/S 20 Sep. In the evening there was a Reception held at the MCA with stunning views of Sydney Harbour (and once the ship sailed on) the beautiful Sydney Opera House. Thank you to the Italian Trade Agency for an informative day and wonderful evening at Connect Italy 2017.
Guests at the MCA for Connect Italy 2017, Sydney, Australia. Street Fashion Sydney by Kent Johnson.
Guests listening to speakers at the MCA for Connect Italy 2017, Sydney, Australia. Street Fashion Sydney by Kent Johnson.
Guests on the wind swept deck at the MCA for Connect Italy 2017, Sydney, Australia. Street Fashion Sydney by Kent Johnson.
Vincenzo Prosperi and friend, rooftop night portrait from the MCA with the Sydney Opera House in the background, Connect Italy 2017, Sydney, Australia. Street Fashion Sydney by Kent Johnson.
Vivienne Shui and Dion Woo, rooftop night portrait from the MCA with the Sydney Opera House in the background, Connect Italy 2017, Sydney, Australia. Street Fashion Sydney by Kent Johnson.
Rooftop night portrait from the MCA with the Sydney Opera House in the background, Connect Italy 2017, Sydney, Australia. Street Fashion Sydney by Kent Johnson.
Rooftop night portrait from the MCA with the Sydney Opera House in the background, Connect Italy 2017, Sydney, Australia. Street Fashion Sydney by Kent Johnson.
Will Stewart, Kent Johnson & Dion Woo at the MCA for Connect Italy 2017, Sydney, Australia. Street Fashion Sydney by Kent Johnson.
Mr Tommaso Cancellara speaking at Connect Italy 2017, Sydney, Australia. Street Fashion Sydney by Kent Johnson.
At the Connect Italy 2017 trade show, Sydney, Australia. Street Fashion Sydney by Kent Johnson.
Mr Riccardo Braccialini speaking at Connect Italy 2017, Sydney, Australia. Street Fashion Sydney by Kent Johnson.
Italian leather shoes, Connect Italy 2017, Sydney, Australia. Street Fashion Sydney by Kent Johnson.
Guest mingle on the deck of the MCA with the Sydney Opera House in the background, Connect Italy 2017, Sydney, Australia. Street Fashion Sydney by Kent Johnson.
http://connectitaly2017.com.au/
http://www.themicam.com/
http://mipel.com/en/
#ConnectItaly2017

Telling Stories in Pictures all over Sydney..
Kent Johnson, Sydney, Australia.
0433 796 863