Mao Ishikawa: Photographs from Okinawa

A unique selection of vintage photographs from the 1970s and ’80s by Mao Ishikawa document life in Okinawa in the years following the island’s return to Japanese sovereignty and are remarkable for the detail with which they capture their subjects’ social and cultural milieu. What is now known as Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost prefecture was once…

Vale: Monir Sharoudy Farmanfarmaian

We are deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian (1924–2019) on Saturday 20 April. Over a career of six decades, Farmanfarmaian created art that was at once radical and deeply invested in tradition. She drew from Iranian architecture, the traditions of Islamic geometry and pattern, as well as techniques such…

Some kind of island paradise

Australia has roughly 8000 islands within its maritime borders. While many are sites of difficult histories, they also maintain their unique identities through song, stories, dance and visual art, often in environments characterised by isolation and significant external influences. Here is an overview of the Indigenous Australian artists and projects from Tasmania, Arnhem Land, the…

Bona Park gets inspiration from those she collaborates with

Beyond the sea 2018 continues South Korean artist Bona Park’s exploration of themes of extinction and redundancy brought about by human activity, technological development and economic imperatives. Its three channels each focus on an individual working behind the scenes in Korea’s film and television industry — a voice actor, a lighting operator and a stunt…

Yuko Mohri’s sound art is inspired by decay

The sober colour and aural palette of Yuko Mohri’s contemplative sound installation Breath or echo blends quietly with the architecture and landscape of the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) and Brisbane city, writes local sound artist Luke Jaaniste. Watch | Performance in response to ‘Breath or echo’ Brisbane’s experimental violin and guitar duo Adam Cadell (violin)…

Jakkai Siributr’s installation highlights his family history

Jakkai Siributr’s fascination with textiles and embroidery began as a child in Bangkok and led to studies in textile design in the United States before returning to Thailand. Siributr is known primarily for his textile and embroidery works, and his installations increasingly offer an element of audience participation, recently the artist has begun to engage with…