The dates, location and theme for the MAANZ 2019 Symposium have been released. Read more about it here.
The transformative nature of mosaic art
The “Love shouldn’t hurt” mural
The Australian Campaign Against Domestic Violence late last year featured this giant, magnificent mosaic in 182 George Street in Sydney titled “Love shouldn’t hurt”, created by MAANZ president Noula Diamantopoulus, 40 metres x 60 metres in size and entirely built up using jar lids. “This project truly belonged to me as both an artist and a psychotherapist,” says Diamantopoulus. “That knowledge kept me going through the next 21 days straight working 14 hours each and every day to complete it. It needed to be delivered by a date that could not be moved or pushed out as it was part of a national campaign about domestic violence.”
The project has led to Diamantopoulus announcing a new, special interest group within MAANZ, to do with the healing and transformative nature of mosaic art. As soon as the name of the new group has been decided, you will definitely hear more about it.
“This project represents a defining moment in my life. I can now see myself pre domestic violence and post domestic violence. I am more aware of who I am as an artist, and as a therapist dealing with complex PTSD I have become deeply centred in what I do and clearer about what I wish to do. This is the transformation that the gift of art making through mosaics has given me.”
Diamantopoulus employed many hands to help her create this work and many volunteers offered their services to meet the tight deadline.
Read the full, 2-page article on how the project came about, in the latest edition of Opus Oracle, the mosaic electronic magazine (PDF eMag) each member receives quarterly as part of their membership (if you haven’t joined us yet, you can sign-up here).
“Mr Logomania” acquired by the Museum of Art for the City of Ravenna.
A Big Congratulations shout out to Pamela Irving who has the great honour of being the first Australian to have her work “Mr Logomania” acquired by the Museum of Art for the City of Ravenna. It is the first work by an Australian artist in that collection, considered the best contemporary mosaic collection in the world. I think it’s quite a big deal for Mosaics in Australia.
Mr Logomania – photo courtesy “Mosaic Art Now”
Pamela is also having her first solo exhibition in Chicago at the Gallery of Contemporary Mosaic Art in Chicago (GoCM). The body of works for this show is all new and is titled “An Apocalyptic Alphabet”. It consists of 26 limited edition prints for each letter of the Alphabet and mosaic works.
When she gets back from Chicago she has a new major commission for Lauriston Girls Grammar in Melbourne and then a residency in Shanghai in October.
Very Busy Lady!
We are very proud and excited for Pamela!
Queen of the Shire 2015
Deborah Halpern – Queen of the Shire, coloured glass tiles, fibreglass, aluminium, steel. Size: 470cm x 320cm x 50cm.
MAANZ member Deborah Halpern’s Queen of the Shire embodies the creative spirit of Nillumbik, a spirit that has been forged by a dynamic artistic heritage, inspired by the region’s landscape, history and its people. The Queen’s sweeping form and vibrant colours reflect the local landscape-the blue and russets of skies reflected in th Yarra River and the varied greens and yellows of the bush. Queen of the Shire is located at the Cnr Kangaroo Ground-Warrandyte Rd & Research-Warrandyte Rd North Warrandyte.
Hanging Requirements for MAANZ Exhibitions
Please make sure that all your artwork has an adequate hanging system according to weight and substrate and follows the guidelines. Artwork without this won’t be exhibited.
Hanging work must be prepared for exhibition with D-Rings and strong cord or wire.
Your 2 D-rings (one on either side of the back of your work) should be located to enable your work to hang flat. This is usually with the screw of the D-ring 10cm from the top edge of the work, with the screw 5cm in. Strong cord or wire should be used and strung tight.
D-rings must be screwed into or through the substrate and NOT glued on.
You can purchase D -ring from any good framer or online from www.artscene.com.au. Search for Framing/metal D ring under the code section. There are different strengths available for heavier pieces.
DO NOT use the cheap triangle shaped ones from the hardware as they break easily.
Please Note: MAANZ will not take responsibility of damaged hanging mosaics due to inadequate hanging system.
If you use Marmox, Wedi or any other lightweight substrate boards you must attach the hanging system the correct way. This most likely has to be done before gluing tesserae down, because the screws have to go through the board and fastened with washers.
The correct way of doing it can be downloaded here.
You also can buy these substrates already with the fixings attached. Many suppliers have a D-ring system already secured to the boards.
Please also make sure that your artwork has FELT PADS (not silicon) attached to the back.