Over the past 25 years Michael Zavros has developed a singular vision of contemporary culture, navigating the undercurrents of desire that shape so much of our individual and shared characters. Always meticulously rendered regardless of the medium, Zavros’s depictions of stylish fashion, spectacular interiors, whimsical landscapes, purebred animals and playful still lifes are entrancing and seductive.
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Your ticket to ‘Michael Zavros: The Favourite’ provides entry to two exhibitions on your day of visit, including ‘eX de Medici: Beautiful Wickedness’.
GOMA, Until 2 October 2023
‘Michael Zavros: The Favourite’ at the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in Brisbane until 2 October 2023 incorporates more than 100 works, primarily paintings but with diversions into sculpture, video, photography and performance. Drop into the pop-up kafenio (illustrated) to be transported to the streets of Athens majestically overlooked by Zavros’s mural of the Acropolis.
Pop-up kafenio
Once a month, Acropolis now will be transformed into a pop-up kafenio evoking the social atmosphere of a European summer. Sit and relax, taste complimentary traditional Greek coffee and watch members of the Brisbane Backgammon Tournaments play or set up a Backgammon game yourself to see who can remove all of their checker pieces first.
Michael Zavros ‘Acropolis now’
‘Acropolis now (illustrated) is all about Instagram. I like the light, touristy gesture of creating this selfie moment underneath the Acropolis. When you go to the Acropolis, you’re aware of the weight of it. The Greek people — my people — invented so much of the mathematics, art and philosophy my kids are learning at school now. We were overachievers, until one day we weren’t, and this famous building on the hill of Athens reminds contemporary Greeks of what we once were. Now everybody’s claiming what’s theirs, and repatriation is part of that conversation. I’m thinking, how do I contribute to that? It’s something my kids are interested in. At school, they are encouraged to investigate who they are and where they come from. A lot of our conversations are about this.’ Michael Zavros
Watch | Michael Zavros discusses the ‘Acropolis Now’ mural
Watch | Michael Zavros discusses his practice
‘Michael Zavros: The Favourite‘ in 1.1 (The Fairfax Gallery) and 1.2 at the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in Brisbane from 24 June to 2 October 2023 surveys 25 years of painting, sculpture, photography and video by leading contemporary Queensland artist Michael Zavros.
The 208-page exhibition publication Michael Zavros: The Favourite is available at QAGOMA Stores or online.
This exhibition offers opportunities for dialogue with ‘eX de Medici: Beautiful Wickedness’ presented in the adjacent gallery 1.2 and 1.3 (Eric and Marion Taylor Gallery). Immerse yourself in these two irresistible exhibitions from leading Australian artists. Your ticket provides entry to both exhibitions on your day of visit. Buy timed tickets in advance to guarantee entry. Last session 4.00pm daily. Exhibition closes at 5.00pm. Full-day Flexi Ticket also available.
Featured image: Michael Zavros in front of Acropolis now 2023 at ‘Michael Zavros: The Favourite’, Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane / Photograph: David Kelly / © Michael Zavros
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