WEDNESDAY 28 MAY
"Art is not, as the metaphysicians say, the manifestation of some mysterious idea of beauty or God; it is not, as the aesthetical physiologists say, a game in which man lets off his excess of stored-up energy; it is not the expression of man's emotions by external signs; it is not the production of pleasing objects; and, above all, it is not pleasure; but it is a means of union among men, joining them together in the same feelings, and indispensable for the life and progress toward well-being of individuals and of humanity...
If men lacked this other capacity of being infected by art, people might be almost more savage still, and, above all, more separated from, and more hostile to, one another." - Leo Tolstoy (1828 - 1910)
TwoThousand. Art is important
Cover photo by Thomas Jeppe for Neverness. If you would like to submit a cover shot email nadia@twothousand.com.au.
Wowch
Little people
Printing your own money
Issue
Grey stockings
Emergency jackets
Jeans jumping
Scarlet fever
To do tattoo
Steampunk
Crafty magazine
Tell us what's cool
cool@twothousand.com.au
Wowsers
Big people
Playing this cover
Isisue
Lederhosen flys
Emerging artists
Double denim
Scarlet fever
These tattoos
Jim Beam punk
Krafty Kuts
Tell us what's fool
fool@twothousand.com.au
Air Guitar
WHAT
AIR GUITAR
WHO
DAVE HICKEY
WHERE
PLEASE ASK AT YOUR FAVOURITE BOOKSHOP BEFORE YOU GO HERE
HOW MUCH
WORTH MORE THAN US $13.57
RELATED LINKS
DOWNLOAD A PODCAST HERE TO EXPERIENCE THE HICKEY GREATNESS AURALLY
Dave Hickey is the love child of Hunter S. Thompson, Lester Bangs, Giorgio Vasari, Anais Nin, Mark Twain, Hannah Arendt, Susan Sontag and, still skimping on his alimony, Lenny Bruce. To wit, he is: promiscuously inclusive, as humanly warm as pee-pee on denim, smarter than a dagger, as serious as your life and funnier than a muthafucka.
Subtitled ‘Essays on Art & Democracy', AIR GUITAR is like having an old, acid-dropping art professor - and Hickey is exactly that - drop by and just talk about stuff. All kinds of stuff. Like how Wild Style graffiti is part of a 300-year-old orientalist art tradition which includes psychedelic concert posters and the pre-Raphaelites. Basketball. Perry Mason. Siegfried and Roy. Flaubert. Keith Richards. Hot dogs.
Usually all at once and with a conviction that all these things really matter. The hot dogs as much as the pre-Raphaelites. So if ‘Art & Democracy' basically sums up the things in the world that Hickey digs on (i.e. everything) then it'll be in this book. His style is a kind of perfection - simultaneously as giddy as altitude sickness, as beautiful as the mountain itself, and as perilous as the highest fall.
Format: Book
Motivation: Kill twenty minutes dead
Keywords: Air Guitar, Dave Hickey, Art
The Horse, The Rat and The Swan, Snowman
WHAT
THE HORSE, THE RAT AND THE SWAN
WHO
SNOWMAN
ON
DOT DASH RECORDINGS
MYSPACE
MYSPACE.COM/THESNOWMANEMPIRE
WIN
ONE OF TWO ALBUMS. JUST EMAIL WIN@TWOTHOUSAND.COM.AU WITH THE SUBJECT 'TERRIFYING? UH. TOTALLY'
Few would've guessed from their comparably jovial surf rock meets scream-core self-titled debut (part Nick Cave, part Ennio Morricone, part Arcade Fire) the level of pathos this Perth four-piece would ascend to. Jesus, what the f*!k happened?
On their terribly serious second album, THE HORSE, THE RAT AND THE SWAN, there's still that Nick-Cave-rolling-around-on-the-floor-covered-in-blood dark melodrama thing. But it's now combined with foreboding tribal rhythms, blood-curdling, angst-ridden vocals and buried screams, feedback drenched passages, dire, bleak lyrics, and eerie ethereal motions. Godspeed You Black Emperor meets Nirvana's BLEACH?
Dramatic? Yes. Terrifying? Uh, totally. A fun listen? Not always. The most interesting, original new Aussie album this year? Quite possibly. Definitely the weirdest thing you've heard in a while.
Release: Album
To Cure: A predictable playlist
Ooga Booga
WHAT
OOGA BOOGA STORE
WHERE
CHINATOWN, L.A. (OR HERE)
943 N. BROADWAY #203 LOS ANGELES, CA
WHEN
24/7
CONTACT
+1 (213) 617 1105
What one place can you score: mix tapes made by Calvin Johnson, furry dolls by Mike Kelley, claymation DVDs by Ian Svenonius, limited edition Maui and Sons reissues, and copies of Werner Herzog's travel diary?
If you said heaven, you're right! But if you can't wait that long - where on earth are you gonna find all these delights? That's OOGA BOOGA in LA's Chinatown.
Specialising in obscure zines, magazines, art books, clothes, and music - with an emphasis on limited edition, small run or handmade items - it's kinda like Colette if you took away the snooty French staff and replaced them with friendly, enthusiastic, arty little SoCal punks. Yay!!
If you can't get to La La Land, don't trip out, man! All the aforementioned goodies (plus heaps more from Opening Ceremony, Bless, Susan Cianciolo, Shobo Shobo, Steve Dore, Paper Rad, Dean Sameshim, No Age, My Barbarian, Ariel Pink, Abe Vigoda, The Sads and David Scott Stone) are just a click away.
Product: Objects
Anatomy: Heart
Kareena: An Exhibition of Illustrative Work
WHAT
KAREENA: AN EXHIBITION OF ILLUSTRATIVE WORK BY KAREENA ZEREFOS
WHERE
MTV GALLERY, 4-16 YURONG ST, EAST SYDNEY
OPENS TUES 3 JUNE, 6-9PM
RUNS UNTIL JUNE 10
HOW MUCH
FREE
Recently, local art has shown a trend towards water-colour-washed illustration. Kareena Zerefos, however, was doing her thing while the rest were pandering with their pencil cases. Her illustrations are a deft combination of watercolour, felt tip, biro, pencil, gouache and letraset, creating a series of work heavily influenced by childhood memories and dreams. There's a fantastical element to each piece. Drawing from old photo albums and family videos, as well as old postcards and books, Kareena conveys a strong sense of her childhood self.
The real is often spliced with the unreal. In 'Rose Tinted Glasses', a child holds an umbrella under a cartoonish rain-cloud. Butterflies flutter around his feet, creating an almost photographic illustration. This indicates the core of Kareena's work, a combination of the past and the future, the natural and the unnatural, animals and humans, dreams and nightmares. This will be her first solo show, at the MTV Gallery, come on down and release your inner-child (but have them keep their clothes on, we don't want the bobbies on our backs).
Medium: Illustration
Drink: Anything, as long as you look good holding it
Keywords: Kareena Zerefos, MTV Gallery, East Sydney
The Orphanage
WHAT
THE ORPHANAGE
WHEN
OPENS MAY 29
WHERE
DENDY OPERA QUAYS, GREATER UNION GEORGE ST AND BONDI JUNCTION, PALACE ACADEMY TWIN NORTON ST AND VERONA PADDINGTON
WATCH THE TRAILER
HERE
Is there anything better than nervous laughter spreading slowly through a cinema? Old-fashioned Spanish ghost story THE ORPHANAGE possesses the entire spectrum of scares: sudden shocks, creeping dread, and the frantic urge to shout "No! Don't! Gah!" at the screen.
Lately, horror sometimes seems like the kind of pornography that's all sex-scenes and no awkward pizza-boy set-up. Films like THE GRUDGE reduce the genre to just the boo! set-pieces, without the satisfying connective tissue. THE ORPHANAGE, however, almost feels like '60s classic THE HAUNTING, and that's high praise.
This is a first feature for the writer and director - although it's presented by TwoThousand's favourite gooey auteur Guillermo del Toro - and it's astonishingly tight. It's filled with the set-‘em-up, knock-‘em-down cause and effect of childhood puzzles, shaken and stirred with the peculiar logic of fairytales.
If a movie can have you both wanting and not-wanting at once to see what's behind the door, or around the corner, or waiting in the dark? You should see it at the movies, and wait for the nervous laughter.
Format: Cinema
Mood: Make a therapy appointment now
Keywords: Horror
Tatebanko
Things go in and out of fashion right? Fondue, disco, tie dye...ahem, and other things that aren't from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Like Tatebanko. This is a forgotten Japanese art of diorama that was quite the pastime in the Edo period (1603 - 1868). We can just imagine the Tokugawa shogun indulging in a Tatebanko session before whipping some eastern barbarians.
Like the Tokugawa clan, Tatebanko all but disappeared during the 20th Century. However, its revival is at hand. Tatebanko Hokusau and Hiroshige comprise three different Japanese vistas: Kambara Evening Snow, Hakone View of the Lake and The Great Wave of Kanagawa. There's even ‘Miss!!' piece included in case you make a wry cut and a ‘Secret!' piece that consists of a sumo surfing with a pink umbrella. Not sure what the shogun would think of that.
Product: Art
Theft: Theft is likely
Central Baking Depot (CBD)
WHAT
CENTRAL BAKING DEPOT
WHERE
39 ERSKINE ST, WYNYARD
WHEN
MON-FRI 7AM-6PM, SAT-SUN 8AM-5PM
HOW MUCH
UNDER $6
Some people don't know how lucky they are. We, on the other hand, know exactly how lucky we are. We get to work in an office that is only a stone's throw away from some of Sydney's best bakeries and cafes.
Now our city friends can get lucky too, because there's a new baker in corporate town and he's brought a basket of Bourke Street treats. Even the metal-crate furniture made the journey, as did (unfortunately) the out-the-door line. You'll find him just around the corner from Wynyard Station, but you'll smell the caramalised banana tarts and freshly baked pies and pizzas from your office.
Venue: Eatery
Meal: All day
Keywords: Bourke Street Bakery, Wynyard, Bakery
Newtown Flicks Festival
WHERE
PACT THEATRE. 107 RAILWAY PARADE, ERSKINEVILLE
WHEN
FRI MAY 30, SAT MAY 31, SUN JUN 1
HOW MUCH
$11 PER SESSION OR $38 A DAY, CONTACT ADMIN@NEWTOWNFLICKS.COM.AU
It's no Cannes, but now that's over Erskineville hosts its version (actually Newtown's version) of the much-hyped film event. Now in its third year, Newtown Flicks incorporates eight screening sessions of short Australian films arranged into categories loosely based on genre or themes.
I must confess that whenever something like this comes up, the lefty academic in me jumps on its free-trade soapbox and starts an internal rant about the import of fostering a strong national film industry. It forms a seamless case which starts with a point about generating employment in the creative industries, and concludes with connections to lofty ideals like "exploring identities" and "allowing Australia to reflect unique cultures back into the society which manifested them."
Now I'm not sure how much some of the films on Newtown Flicks' program distinctly reflect Australian culture. Stuart White's A FILM ABOUT NOTHING sounds more like a reflection of SEINFELD to me. But Australian screen legend Barry Otto pops up in LA MEME NUIT, and titles like EIGHT LETTER WORD and ASCENSION appear to have the quirky character that Australian films have become renowned for. Plus there's two sessions of documentaries which canvas issues ranging from female boxing to bingo.
In the name of supporting an alternative to the circus of reality TV and game show programming, this one's worth a shot.
Ambience: Indoor
Difficulty: Won't hurt a bit
Keywords: Newtown, Film, Australian
Gathering Ground
WHAT
GATHERING GROUND - BLOCKSIDE STORY
WHERE
THE BLOCK. TOP OF EVELEIGH ST, REDFERN
WHEN
THUR MAY 29 - SAT MAY 31. 7.30PM EACH NIGHT
HOW MUCH
FREE
Too often we seem to hear about The Block for the wrong reasons. Thankfully this time it's for the right reason - a historical caberet in fact. First performed in 2006 the second coming of GATHERING GROUND is all about changing perceptions of the infamous neighbourhood and with more than 50 young locals performing a hip-hop and circus themed show to a moving audience it promises to be memorable even if there aren't any break dancing clowns. - GK
Event: Exhibition
Stimulus: sound the horns!
Keywords: Redfern, Performace
Levity Nights
WHAT
LEVITY NIGHTS
WHERE
THE HOLLYWOOD HOTEL.
2 FOSTER ST, SURRY HILLS
WHEN
THUR MAY 29, 8PM. THEN EVERY THUR UNTIL AUG 28
HOW MUCH
$5
This week marks the launch of a new weekly night at The Hollywood - and it's a goodun'. Levity Records take their turn as hostess, and they're loosening the apron strings to present The Holidays and The Red Riders on launch night as well as a promise of future goodness - Cut Off Your Hands, Miami Horror and 2onajoyride are on the list. PhDJ, Vivienne Kingswood and Nick Findlay will also have weekly appearances. - KB
Event: Bands
Stimulus: A
Keywords: Bands, DJs, Surry Hills
Gameboy/Gamegirl
WHAT
GAMEBOY/GAMEGIRL
WHERE
MANNING BAR. MANNING RD, UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
WHEN
THUR MAY 29, 8PM
HOW MUCH
$10/$15 ON THE DOOR
Its nearly end of semester, and that means when its time to take your head from its current position (either buried in a book, or in a disgruntled expression because all of your comrades are "studying"), you'll be looking for some fun. Just in time Gameboy / Gamegirl head to the stage with their usual mix of rhymes sneakily mixed with up-to-the-minute electro beats. Young and Restless, Bag Raiders and Ro Sham Bo are also headlining. - KB
Event: Bands
Stimulus: E
Keywords: Electro, Bands, Mannning Bar
Pin Ups
WHAT
PIN UPS FEAT. FLYING FOXES, 123 AMAZING, TRAPS & SONGS FOR SURGERY
WHERE
SPECTRUM. 34 OXFORD ST DARLINGHURST
WHEN
FRI MAY 30, 8PM
HOW MUCH
$10
You can go to the Entertainment Centre and watch the pyrotechnics, but sometimes you wanna be the one who was at the small shows. You know that line, "oh yeah, they're huge in Europe now, but I remember seeing them play to like five people in this tiny room." Flying Foxes, 123 Amazing, Traps and Songs For Surgery are all hitting the stage, with a free CD for the first 100 through the door. We say do it for bragging rights. - VH
Event: Bands
Stimulus: W
Keywords: Free Stuff, Bands, Darlinghurst
The Whip
WHAT
THE WHIP
WHERE
OXFORD ART FACTORY. 38-46 OXFORD ST, DARLINGHURST
WHEN
SAT MAY 31, 9PM
HOW MUCH
$23.50 +B/F
You know how in 24 Hour Party People it's all shambles, the music has epic juju, and Manchester looks like the most bangin' place in the world? Well Madchester's spat out another one: The Whip. The 4-piece (two ladies, two lads) do indie rock dance poppers for you to hold the hand of your beloved to. Plus it's at the Oxford Art Factory, which is pretty much our blurry eyed version of the Hacienda, anyway. - VH
Event: Bands
Stimulus: C
Keywords: Bands, Indie, Oxford Art Factory
Diamond Back Rattlers
WHAT
DIAMOND BACK RATTLERS
WHERE
SPECTRUM, 34 OXFORD STREET, DARLINGHURST
WHEN
SUN JUN 1, 8PM
HOW MUCH
$10
Wild horses, poets, dusty musos and fine folk alike, all ears are invited to come hear desert music downtown. These bonafide beatniks make a fine tribute to the rattlesnake and Townes Van Zandt. You'll see the glint in their eyes, the bells in their hands while the sonic bliss romantically dates a raw and languid folk tale. You ain't never seen diamonds like these rattle the walls. -LL
Event: Bands
Stimulus: W
Keywords: Spectrum, Darlinghurst, Music
The gang over at Serps Press don't muck around. Quality reigns over quantity and their latest releases from Conor O'Brien, HOLD ON TO EACH OTHER and THERE STANDS THE GLASS are no exception.
Conor O'Brien's photography is of the ‘snapshot' variety, in that he captures spontaneous moments using a small camera he carries in his pocket at all times. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Conor's photos always feel calm and considered, never poking fun at his subjects but always celebrating their beauty.
THERE STANDS THE GLASS is his brand new body of work and the final in the series from his time in Melbourne (the preceding HOLD ON TO EACH OTHER was shown at the ACP), O'Brien continues in a familiar vein, yet there is an increased sense of getting away from it all rather than staying in the thick of things. Campsites and forest walks feature prominently, as well as the streets of Fitzroy. What, then, to make of the title? Perhaps Conor is hinting at a conscious direction of his lens towards the natural world. Or maybe he is merely requesting a Carlton Draught. We've got a pair of Conor's books to give away thanks to Serps Press if you can answer the following correctly.
This week's question: What else could Conor be requesting?
a) Two Carlton Draughts
b) A home made tattoo
c) A nice surprise
d) A sweet blog
To be in the running for the TwoThousand comp, send your answer and your address to win@twothousand.com.au. Winners will be notified by email. Subscriber entry only. Not a subscriber? Sign up here.
TwoThousand is a weekly snapshot of Sydney's subculture, fired by email into the loving arms of people who realise that the best things in life are often hard to find. It is compiled by an amorphous gaggle of writers, stylists, designers and photographers who all like huddling under that big umbrella we like to call creativity. Without editorial independence TwoThousand has nothing. All editorial you read is featured because it's worth it - not because it's paid for.
ADVERTISING PARTNERSHIPS
TwoThousand is a trusted and proven medium for advertisers to engage with Sydney's most elusive individuals - our subscribers. Each issue offers one advertiser the opportunity to have sole presence in the e-newsletter. A variety of placements (three, to be exact) are also available on twothousand.com.au. For more information on advertising with TwoThousand contact Francesco at frunch@rightanglepublishing.com and Robbie at robert@rightanglepublishing.com.
FEEDBACK
Have something to say? Then say it by emailing editorial@twothousand.com.au.
DISCLAIMER
The information in TwoThousand is subject to change. Although we attempt to ensure that the content at the time of publication is correct, we do not guarantee its accuracy or currency. Right Angle Publishing accepts no responsibility to you or anyone else arising from any use or reliance on the information contained in TwoThousand or any inaccuracy in the information. The views and opinions expressed on material included in TwoThousand may not reflect those of Right Angle Publishing.
CONTACT
Right Angle Publishing
L2, 16 - 28 Foster St
Surry Hills, NSW, 2010
p. (02) 92801557
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GROUP PUBLISHER
Barrie Barton
+ 61 3 96621657
barrie@rightanglepublishing.com
EDITOR
Nadia Saccardo
nadia@twothousand.com.au
DEPUTY EDITOR
Gabriel Knowles
gabe@twothousand.com.au
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Hayley Morgan
hayley@twothousand.com.au
MUSIC EDITOR
Wilfred Brandt
wilfred@twothousand.com.au
FILM EDITOR
Martyn Pedler
martyn@rightanglepublishing.com
ARTS EDITOR
Amelia Groom
amelia@twothousand.com.au
STREET PHOTOGRAPHER
Sweetie
CONTRIBUTING MONKEYS
Penny Modra
Isabel Dunstan
Kylie Boyd
Kashi Somers
Alex Vitlin
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INTERN MONKEYS
Jill Greig
jill@twothousand.com.au
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