It has clearly emerged from this series of art space profiles that Flinders Lane and Gertrude Street in Fitzroy are the epicentres of contemporary galleries in Melbourne.
Both precincts have a healthy combination of commercial and non-for-profit spaces.
In the case of Gertrude Street, the compliment to the highly successful Gertrude Contemporary Gallery is the little shop front on the opposite side of the street, Seventh Gallery.
Run by Melbourne-based contemporary artists, Seventh Gallery offers prime exposure for local artists.
Most importantly, Seventh is a networking hub.
Events and openings have built a solid community of young artists and creatives.
The most recent show at the divine little terrace was Temple of Shapes by Becky Richards.
The front gallery was arranged to explore the aesthetics of studio practice, with an emphasis on small details and the importance of material details and form.
Richards displaces elements collected and found in a new space, arranging them to create a surprisingly new function and meaning.
The effect is a cool, contemplative space with plenty of room to ponder your own thoughts and appreciate some negative space.
Heading further in to the belly of the gallery, a small video work folds in to the nook of the left of the front desk, while the back room presents a delightful work by Naomi Nicholls and Polly Hollyoak.
The room, entitled Interchange: We’re Afraid of Red, Yellow and Blue comes across as an episode of Art Attack in the best possible way.
Red, yellow and blue is slashed on the walls in well considered, bold lines and shapes. A very enjoyable room.
The gallery also oversees ‘The Worker’s Window’ a surprise delight on the corner of Brunswick and Gertrude Street, embedded in the wall of The Worker’s Club.
The window space provides crucial exposure free of charge to young artists and undergraduates.
If you were after an exhibition space you couldn’t do much better on location.
SEVENTH Gallery, The Workers Window (Feat. Tess E. McKenzie’s piece AVOID from 2010)This week, on Wednesday 29 May between 6pm and 8pm, Seventh Gallery is hosting the opening of its new show featuring Becky Richards, Adam Stone, Hana Vasak and Danny Digby.
Pop by, have a drink, have a chat and enjoy the fabulous vibe.
The gallery’s facade is adorned with some sumptuous blue titles, you can’t miss it.
Seventh Gallery is located at 155 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy.
Laura
Phillips
