Fair go for artists
Julia Adler
08Jul08
Joint Hassles will be at MAFF. Picture: JOSIE HAYDEN
FLEDGLING Northcote studio Joint Hassles will show off its finest art at the Melbourne Art Fair at the Royal Exhibition Building this month.
Joint Hassles director Harriet Morgan said the independent studio was invited to exhibit contemporary artwork alongside established commercial galleries.
"It's a first for us, which is really flattering and exciting," Morgan said.
Set up by Morgan and co-founder Sean Bailey in mid-2006, the not-for-profit artists' studio was developed for contemporary artists who didn't fit the mould of traditional art galleries.
But Morgan said the studio had come a long way since scraping together $6000 to refurbish a ramshackle shed with a dirt floor in Mitchell St to create a gallery and three studios, which are rented out to artists, including Rob McHaffie and Jess Lucas.
Hosted by the not-for-profit Melbourne Art Fair Foundation (MAFF), the Melbourne Art Fair is billed as a "massive showcase" of international art, with 3000 artworks from more than 900 artists.
Morgan and Bailey are now putting the finishing touches on installations for their feature "Project Room" or exhibition space at the art fair.
"It's very free in its nature and ideas," Morgan said.
"There's lots of repetitive patterns, collage and images made from found objects like craft books and comics."
The Melbourne Art Fair is from July 30-August 3 at the Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton Gardens.
Cost: $24/ $16. Tickets at door. To contact Joint Hassles studio, phone Harriet Morgan on 0407 891 334.
