‘Economics are the method but the object is to change the heart and soul.’ Margaret Thatcher Everyone loves a weekend in Sydney. It’s always good. Not as good as it used to be, but hey, it’s not Sydney’s fault it’s been transitioned into a nanny state. Getting a drink after 1.30am is now […]
Author Archives: Natalie Thomas
May
17
The End of Time. The Beginning of Time
posted by Natalie Thomas
After 32 action packed years, that launched the careers of more art stars into the cultural stratosphere than the Apollo Space program, Gertrude Contemporary is on the move. Gerty will join Melbourne’s burgeoning and vibrant inner north where vibrant live music venues like the Northcote Social Club, the Croxton, Tago Mago and Open Studio are […]
April
13
Bursting Bill’s Bubble: The Plebs vs. The Poseurs
posted by Natalie Thomas
Curating art is a profession of exclusion rather than one of inclusion. Not that curating is a competition. No. No wait, it is. Show us ya curatorial umbrella. Not that there’s too many artists (there can never be enough artists, peaches of hope and optimism that we are) sprinkling the fairy dust of hipster gentrification […]
March
08
Happy International Wonder Women’s Day
posted by Natalie Thomas
In October 2016, the United Nations appointed Wonder Woman Honorary Ambassador for the Empowerment of Women and Girls (even the ones without Netflix and an internet connection). In unreal times, unreal comical decisions are the best thing desperate men can think up to ‘Save the Day’ on planet Earth. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLG0TkuKM64 2.15mins Lynda Carter (slurring her […]
February
23
Doorbitch: Dancing ‘round the power of music
posted by Natalie Thomas
Musicians are the creatives that float my boat in the field of sexual intercourse. I confess to having investigated the bodies of more musos than you can shake a drumstick at. It’s rude to gloat about quantity, but I sure was busy mis-spending my youth. Music playing along before/during/after all that mis-spending. Good sex and […]
December
05
Winners are Grinners: The 10th EMSLA Award; Coffs Harbour Regional Art Gallery
posted by Natalie Thomas
It’s a tough gig being a distinguished judge, but hey! Someone’s gotta do it. Michael Fitzgerald, editor of Art Monthly Australasia, Julie Fragar, celebrated, award winning painter and I judged the $20,000 EMSLA Award in Coffs Harbour the other week. We came together on the land of the Gumbaynggir and pay our respects to the […]
November
02
NGV#cockfest: Dummies and Dollies, Viktor & Rolf
posted by Natalie Thomas
‘Does the NGV have a problem with women?’ The Guardian recently asked its vast readership. More shocking than seeing the question in print, was that we already know the answer. The NGV has a problem with women. It’s a big problem too because the NGV continue to deny that there is a problem. The NGV’s […]
September
26
Painting. More Painting: Creators versus Producers. Silence kills culture
posted by Natalie Thomas
If you don’t believe in God, it’s difficult to believe in painting. Most painters self identify as Creators, just like God. Yawn. But what did God ever do for women? Except hold us back. Me, I identify as an artistic Producer, like Mel Brooks. Creators and Producers don’t see eye to eye, their philosophies are […]
September
01
#art4sale
posted by Natalie Thomas
Nobody liked the Melbourne International Art Fair. Not till it got canned. Now, we love it. Now we’re remembering the poor old dear rather more fondly, then when it actually existed. Frocking up, fake fur stole slung nonchalantly over one’s shoulders, a touch more war paint applied than is usual. By night’s end, wearing a […]
nattysolo 
Sex and the media
posted by Natalie Thomas
I’ve been thinking about what we see, watch, read and hear, in terms of gender. How all the white male privilege they’ve had us hardwired into since birth, has fucked with our brains. How the entertainment industry rewards men more than anyone else and most men aren’t even that entertaining. They hog the mic, passing […]