Micro Galleries.. So tiny you CAN see them!

I have recently discovered many micro galleries popping up around Perth,  displaying artworks at cafes, bookstores, pop-ups and even map shops. This multi using of space and resourceful outlook is on trend and proving to be interesting indeed! The Micro Gallery reclaims the disused and the forgotten spaces and revives these spaces into 'tiny' galleries, that are mostly free and accessible to the public. The common space is now unique and noticeable challenging the spacious white cube we commonly know as a gallery, making any space a possibility for creators.

(Mirco Gallery: Sky, 2017)

The Art Gallery of WA successfully displays work in their new Micro galleries - Two galleries Sky and Garden supported by Wesfarmers Arts currently showing their collection. This is an interesting space, a space that was once a walk through a sitting area that is now multi-useful, giving a non-place meaning and substance.

(Dowerin Autumn 2005, 2017)

The work that is currently on display in the micro galleries focuses on the concept Australian landscape. Showing a range of larger works that I hear would usually be hiding away in the storage of AGWA but by breaking tradition and using these unconventional small spaces, works can remain dust free and alive. This intimate display shows the informal conversations happening between the works. Relationships are formed through the non-aboriginal artworks and Australian aboriginal artworks. Artist Brad Rimmer's shows an element of harshness in Australian outback through his work Dowerin autumn 2005, then we see a more subtle neighbouring work by Howard Taylor but although the works are in two different genres of painting they have the same depth of focus. I see relationships forming throughout the works e.g Howard Taylor's title of the work Bushfire sun and the didactic on the wall next to Brad Rimmer's work- both somewhat talking about the harshness of climate in Australia. 

(Howard Taylor, Bushfire sun, 1996, 2017)

Among many other places Paper Mountain has come on board with their own Micro gallery, using a space I know well, the common room, to now exhibiting artists works. As a Gallery attendant of Paper Mountain, I can honestly say the new space surprised me.
They broke all the rules but made it work.

Whats next: maybe a portable art gallery?... Well yes, say no more the BO-MART is a vending machine, full of zines, stickers and other lovely things made by Perth's creative people and now sits in the heart of Northbridge, Paper Mountain Gallery opposite their new micro gallery.

(Watts, 2017)

We are breaking all the rules for a more sustainable future and I like it!











Bibliography

Dowerin Autumn 2005 [Image].(2017). Retrieved from
    hhttps://cs.nga.gov.au/Detail.cfm?IRN=221792

Howard Taylor, Bushfire sun, 1996 [Image]. (2017). Retrieved from http://www.neram.com.au/portfolio-items/luminous-world/

Mirco Gallery: Sky [Image].(2017). Retrieved from
    http://www.wesfarmers.com.au/our-impact/wesfarmers-arts/exhibitions

Watts, T. This zine vending machine at @paper_mtn is making me want to make zines again [image]. (2017). retrieved from https://twitter.com/paper_mtn