Now that I’m back in Canberra from my overseas secondment, here’s our visual sociology for August 2015. There’s contemplative art that speaks to the sociology of identity and otherness, there’s commemorations of political violence, Indigenous drums from Vanuatu, protest art and markets galore.
Draw in
Draw In at the National Portrait Gallery with Carlos Perez playing classical guitar. The public is invited to sit and draw; all materials are provided. It’s child friendly too. 9 August
Hotel Hotel
Textured bicycles at Hotel Hotel in Canberra. 15 August
Old Bus Depot Markets
Belly dancers at the Old Bus Depot Markets in Canberra. 16 August
Talented busker at the Old Bus Depot Markets, Canberra. 16 August
Heads from North
Heads from the North, by Dadang Christanto. The artist was born in Indonesia and has been based in Australia since 1999. This commissioned work is a memorial to those killed as a result of the failed military coup in 1965. The 66 sculpture heads signifify the dead and disappeared from that year, including the artist’s father.
Slit Drums
“Slit Drums,” Chief Willy Taso, Chief Tofor Rengrengmal, unknown artist. The faces on these slit gongs represent ancestors of Vanuatu. 16 August
Songs of Australia
Aleks Danko, Songs of Australia No. 16. The artist depicts “a country sinking into conservatism.” On the wall are political soundbites that are also played on speakers. 23 August
Naqshbandi Greenacre Engagement
Sydney artist Khaled Sabsabi migrated to Australia from Lebanon in 1978 aged 13. This work is a rare look at the communal practice of Naqshbandi Sufi Muslims, who are mystic believers. This video installation is titled Naqshbandi Greenacre Engagement (2011). 23 August
Hey
Digital self-portraits
Interesting sociological themes: Portrait of Curtis Edwards who has autoimmune alopecia dealing with societal expectations and isolation. “Untitled” by Isabelle de Kleine. From the Macquarie Digital Portraiture Award. 5 September
Sociological exploration of cultural memory and survival. “The Wandering Jew” by Australian artist Ilya Milstein. 5 September
Night market
Lovely hand made things, music and food at the Night Market! 11 September
Hey y’all.
Hustle & Scout: Twilight Fashion Market
Peruvian street food in Canberra. Tienen Inca Cola. 12 September
People watching
Sociologist doing people watching. 12 September
The Other Sociologist 