Wednesday, February 17, 2016

About Art Last Night - Oxley9, Jensen & 'New' Alaska!

Yes that's three galleries on the trot and a lot more than three artists. And as as is often the case, at
Roslyn Oxley9 gallery there where two shows, Julie Rrap, Remaking The World and Jacqueline Fraser (pictured immediately below) , The Making of L’Eclisse 2016. Both thought provoking shows but I did love Jacquline's playful approach to Art and FASHION! Did I just scream in all caps, yes I did, the fashion in the art, inspired by the idea of Michelangelo Anonioni's L'Eclisse 1962. Now Antonioni knows a thing or two about the importance of fashion as part of identity himself - Blow-Up, Identification of a Woman.. But I digress, Jacqueline, looked fabulous in her Teddy Girl inspired outfit, thank you so much for the portrait. Everyone reading; go see the show I was too excited to snap the exhibition!
Portrait of Jacqueline Fraser 'The Making of L’Eclisse 2016' at Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery by Kent Johnson.
Jacqueline Fraser 'The Making of L’Eclisse
Julie Rrap show "Remaking The World" Double Eclipse, 2015
That said I did do some shots of the crowd looking around the Julie Rrap show "Remaking The World", the video above is called 'Double Eclipse, 2015'. Coincidence? Who knows.. What is not a coincidence is the sound, the noise you hear at each and every art opening you attend. If you have never been to an art show you may be quite surprised at just how loud and noisy an art opening can be. Of course if its not noisy no-one is there which is of course a disaster! If you can't make an opening to hear what its like, do not worry I have made two short 40 second videos of the 'Sound of the Art Opening' below. Turn the volume up loud while reading the blog for the full art-show effect - the visuals are simply a bi-product of the device I used to capture the sound.
Julie Rrap show "Remaking The World"
Judith Wright 'Significant Others' at Jensen Gallery
Judith Wright 'Significant Others' at Jensen Gallery.
If you are so worried you can't even begin to afford a forged Mark Rothko, (well your art priorities are pretty skewed anyway) it might be time to look a little closer to home and into your heart. If there is something I have been concerned about of late it's art being more design, or even worse, clever!!! Whatever happened to the spiritual in art? Jensen Gallery is right in the middle of all the art happening in Hampden Street Paddington, go check it out on the way to Oxley9, Sarah Cottier, Australian Galleries, Martin Browne Contemporary... Judith Wright's large works on paper in 'Significant Others' are probably going to be just your cup of tea.
Art attendees, Alaska Projects on William Street, Street Fashion Sydney.

NAVA - Pay YOur Atists bag - Alaska Projects on William Street, Street Fashion Sydney.
Street view, Alaska Projects on William Street, Street Fashion Sydney.
Alaska Projects on William Street.
Out of focus, art attendees, Alaska Projects on William Street, Street Fashion Sydney.
Artist? Alaska Projects on William Street, Street Fashion Sydney.
Opening night at Alaska Projects on William Street, Street Fashion Sydney.
Bradley, Opening night - Looking at art - Alaska Projects on William Street.
Bradley - Looking at art - Alaska Projects on William Street.

Close to the heart of the CBD Alaska Projects, the people who put the art into Kings Cross car park and made it work! Have launched a space on the corner of  William and Riley St East Sydney. Bradley who seems to be always there let me grab a shot of him in front of one of the artworks (I will find out who's and credit later). How much better is William Street looking with the Art and Craft initiatives going on, fantastic! Check out my second soundscape video - turn it up loud - Sound of the Art Opening - Alaska on William, enjoy the shots, enjoy the noise, grab a beer or a glass of wine and it's just like being there!
http://www.jensengallery.com/
http://home.alaskaprojects.com/

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

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Dale Frank @ Roslyn Oxley9 - On NOW

SABCO PEROXIDE is Dale Frank's latest show at Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Paddington, Sydney. And if that word SABCO seems strange and yet familiar it could well be that you have a broom or a mop or even a paintbrush.. from the South Australian Brush Company, SABCO lying around your house or studio somewhere. I suspect brushes never go anywhere near any of Frank's paintings which are very very shiny and very very colourful too. One certainly gets a feeling of automotive gloss finishes, (now with broken windscreen glass, and recycled tyre rubber..) I thought I could detect that sweet auto-paint-shop scent upon entering the gallery last night.
your mothers name is a real mouthful, Dale Frank SABCO PEROXIDE exhibition at Roslyn Oxley9. Photos by Kent Johnson.
your mothers name is a real mouthful, Dale Frank 2015
The high gloss reflective finishes offer an irresistable selfie heaven for some and I must say, I am pretty glad I was not commissioned to document the art works! That said, at the opening the peoples reflections became part of the art and all the works really were alive. None more so than the mechanised Mobile Painting (my phrase not the galleries) your mothers name is a real mouthful, 2015, both enchanting and mesmerising, (there's a 29 second video at the bottom of the page). And I finally managed to grab a portrait of the artist, Dale Frank himself, out in the stockroom. Dale has said no to me photographing him before; I wonder if it was that I mentioned that the previous mobile had cats, and this one has butterflies; "and they flap their wings" Dale told me. "I will have a close look" I replied. and they do! A great show, on now until the 18th of February.
Symmetry, two paintings, four patrons. Dale Frank SABCO PEROXIDE exhibition at Roslyn Oxley9. Photos by Kent Johnson.
Selfie Irresistible! Dale Frank SABCO PEROXIDE exhibition at Roslyn Oxley9. Photos by Kent Johnson.
Opening night art patrons at Dale Frank SABCO PEROXIDE exhibition at Roslyn Oxley9. Photos by Kent Johnson.
Goyisher head, 2015 granulated recycled car tyre rubber on perspex, and art patrons in reflection. Dale Frank SABCO PEROXIDE exhibition at Roslyn Oxley9. Photos by Kent Johnson.
to cry like a baby, laugh like a girl, 2015. Marc Newson chair on rotating platform part two: pressurised construction foam, cardboard, varnish, and harlequin pain on rotating platform.Dale Frank SABCO PEROXIDE exhibition at Roslyn Oxley9. Photos by Kent Johnson.
He collected Pearl Necklaces, 2015 suspended Campana Bothers Boa sofa by Edra. Dale Frank SABCO PEROXIDE exhibition at Roslyn Oxley9. Photos by Kent Johnson.
Vivienne snaps a group of us at the show. Dale Frank SABCO PEROXIDE exhibition at Roslyn Oxley9. Photos by Kent Johnson.
Selfie and detail of your mothers name is a real mouthful, 2015 by Dale Frank SABCO PEROXIDE exhibition at Roslyn Oxley9. Photos by Kent Johnson.
Portrait of Dale Frank hanging out in the stockroom at the opening of SABCO PEROXIDE exhibition at Roslyn Oxley9. Photos by Kent Johnson.
Title wall, Dale Frank SABCO PEROXIDE exhibition at Roslyn Oxley9. Photos by Kent Johnson.
She lived with six cats and countless accusations, 2015 (Group Show 2015)

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

Monday, December 28, 2015

Under Mercury Vapours

Under Mercury Vapours, Title Shot. Vishmi wears ROLLA'S Camille Wrap Dress in Floral print, Old School Vans skate shoes. photographed for Street Fashion Sydney by Kent Johnson.Still life, old church at night, grand columns.. Photo by Kent Johnson.Traveller Palm, still life composition and photograph by Kent Johnson.With movement. Vishmi wears photographed for Street Fashion Sydney by Kent Johnson.Born from the shadow, Vishmi wears ROLLA'S Eastcoast Flare Overall; photographed for Street Fashion Sydney by Kent Johnson.Casual stance, Vishmi wears ROLLA'S Eastcoast Flare Overall; photographed for Street Fashion Sydney by Kent Johnson.Vishmi wears Abrand Jeans Sleeveless Check Shirt  ROLLA'S Dusters Short in Astral blue, Vans Old Skool Sneakers; photographed for Street Fashion Sydney by Kent Johnson.Portrait, Vishmi wears Abrand Jeans Sleeveless Check Shirt  ROLLA'S Dusters Short in Astral blue, Vans Old Skool Sneakers; photographed for Street Fashion Sydney by Kent Johnson.B&W photo Vishmi wears Dr Martens and White Skivy Models Own, ROLLA'S Eastcoast Flare Overall, photographed for Street Fashion Sydney by Kent Johnson.He wears, Levi's Jeans & Commuter Jacket, AKUBRA Hat. Photographed for Street Fashion Sydney by Kent Johnson.Vishmi wears Dr Martens and White Skivy Models Own, ROLLA'S Eastcoast Flare Overall, photographed for Street Fashion Sydney by Kent Johnson.

Under Mercury Vapours - Magazine layout..
Under Mercury Vapours. A fashion story, P1-2 By Kent Johnson.
Under Mercury Vapours. A fashion story, P3-4. Photography by Kent Johnson.
Under Mercury Vapours. A fashion story, P5-6. Photography by Kent Johnson.
Under Mercury Vapours. A fashion story, P7-8. Photography by Kent Johnson.
Under Mercury Vapours. A fashion story, P9-10. Photography by Kent Johnson.
Under Mercury Vapours. A fashion story, P11-12. Photography by Kent Johnson.

I have long been in love with this location and wanted to photograph there, although until recently it has not been accessible in the way it was for our photoshoot. I also wanted to keep it simple; energy, connection, emotion, that is the story I am after. So I am very grateful to Vishmi for taking the 'risk' of shooting with me in such a quiet and personal manner. We had an enjoyable time (crew-less but not clueless..) and it all happened reasonably quickly, the magic of the shoot unfolding quite seamlessly. The still life shots of the location were made during the site's transitional phases in the weeks preceding our shoot. You have to keep an eye on things! The idea for the title is from the gas in the street lights that give a yellow cast, they are Mercury Vapour lamps - or at least they used to be..

Thanks to Portobello PR for the great clobber.

Photographer/Stylist - Kent Johnson
Model - Vishmi Helaratne
Layout & Design - Kent Johnson

ROLLA'S - Camille Wrap Dress - Floral
Dr Martens - Models Own
White Skivy - Models Own
ROLLA'S Eastcoast Flare Overall in Salty Rain
Dr Martens Boots - Models Own
Abrand Jeans - A. Sleeveless Shirt - Check
ROLLA'S - Dusters Short - Astral blue
Vans Old Skool Sneakers
He wears, Levi's Jeans & Commuter Jacket, AKUBRA Hat.


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

Friday, December 25, 2015

Santa's Gimp and the Amazing World (that was) Rock Photography, with Tony Mott.

Photography (that was), what a strange little blog title especially since Mr Tony Mott is still a photographer. Why the "that was"? Well because, digital photography, of course! In the lead up to this event on the 22nd of November 2015 I was reading how Tony took a year off to help look after his newborn twins; and when he took this photography sabbatical he had 182 rock mag clients on file that he sold pictures to. A year later there were just 22, and now only 3 of the original 182 left! Now of course people are as passionate about music as ever, and as passionate about rock photography as ever.. But it's all gone online, it's getting shot-and-shared by amateurs for free; and let me tell you; it's hard to make a living working for free, Q.E.D. this blog.Santa's Gimp? Lexi Land "Rattlesnake" performance, photographed by Kent Johnson.
But great Rock 'n' Roll photographer that Tony is, he was not going to launch his A-Z of Rock Photography book on a low note, hell no; it was going to be rock-and-roll all the way with way more than just a nod in the direction of "your momma won't like it" :-) hell no - HELL NO! I ask you, what's wrong with kids today? All signing up for frequent flyer points and all that consumer loyalty shit and a free cup of coffee - You know REBELLION - is still the only cool gig in town - stop nerding, lets get back to ROCKIN'... Scroll on, because here are the players on the night.
Portrait of Tony Mott at his book launch at Leonard Mattis Studio, Surry Hills, Sydney. Photo by Kent Johnson.
Tony Mott at his book launch.
This is it; as it happened, more or less.. The Alphabet A-Z Rock 'N' Roll Photography - Tony Mott book launch at Leonard Mattis Studio. Accompanied by, art installations and performances by Lexi Land & Matt Format; DJ Suzie Q; Musician/Guitarist, Simon Rosa; Choreographer, Matthew Gode with Dancers, Erica Stubbs,  Ashleigh Tavares, Shivawn Joubert.
Guests, Tony Mott book launch with the installation and performance of  Lexi Land "Rattlesnake" performance, photographed by Kent Johnson.
Panorama of the installation and performance of  Lexi Land "Rattlesnake" performance, photographed by Kent Johnson.
Black and White portrait detail, Lexi Land "Rattlesnake" performance, photographed by Kent Johnson,.
Lexi Land "Rattlesnake" performance.
Colour full length detail, Lexi Land "Rattlesnake" performance, photographed by Kent Johnson,.
Video screens, detail;  Lexi Land "Rattlesnake" performance, photographed by Kent Johnson,.
Shoes. Tony Mott book launch Alphabet A-Z Rock 'N' Roll Photography. Photo by Kent Johnson
Faces. Tony Mott book launch Alphabet A-Z Rock 'N' Roll Photography. Photo by Kent Johnson
Detail, videographer with the installation and performance of  Lexi Land "Rattlesnake" performance, photographed by Kent Johnson.
Us and Mick Jagger. Tony Mott book launch Alphabet A-Z Rock 'N' Roll Photography. Photo by Kent Johnson
Lace dress, Tony Mott book launch Alphabet A-Z Rock 'N' Roll Photography. Photo by Kent Johnson
Dancers behind wire mesh, blue light. Tony Mott book launch Alphabet A-Z Rock 'N' Roll Photography. Photo by Kent Johnson
Phone cameras videoing dancers behind wire mesh, blue light. Tony Mott book launch Alphabet A-Z Rock 'N' Roll Photography. Photo by Kent Johnson
Photographing, slash Filming this used to be difficult.. Digital may very well kill us all with convenience..
Kissing the Tony Mott, John Lydon PIL picture. Tony Mott book launch Alphabet A-Z Rock 'N' Roll Photography. Photo by Kent Johnson
With a copy of the BIG BOOK!. Tony Mott book launch Alphabet A-Z Rock 'N' Roll Photography. Photo by Kent Johnson
Zimmerman pants suit, street fashion Sydney. Tony Mott book launch Alphabet A-Z Rock 'N' Roll Photography. Photo by Kent Johnson
Men's style, male model off-duty, street fashion Sydney. Tony Mott book launch Alphabet A-Z Rock 'N' Roll Photography. Photo by Kent Johnson
Photographer cropped by a large mirror, Peter Garrett image. Tony Mott book launch Alphabet A-Z Rock 'N' Roll Photography. Photo by Kent Johnson
Matt Format performance in silver foil. Tony Mott book launch Alphabet A-Z Rock 'N' Roll Photography. Photo by Kent Johnson
Matt Format performance with fog, B&W image. Tony Mott book launch Alphabet A-Z Rock 'N' Roll Photography. Photo by Kent Johnson
Rock fans with Tony Mott book at launch party. Tony Mott book launch Alphabet A-Z Rock 'N' Roll Photography. Photo by Kent Johnson

http://www.tonymott.com/
http://leonardmattis.com/blog/leonard-mattis-blog/tony-mott/
http://lexiland.tumblr.com/
http://mattformat.com/

Yes it took me weeks and weeks and well, weeks to get these pictures edited to the point I was happy with; and from such a HUGE selection. It was such a great night and so visually interesting. Hope you enjoy, go buy the book!

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