SKU: A0.873044

If you really pushed me to make a call, Mussorsgky’s Pictures at an Exhibition would be one of my favourite pieces in the classical repertoire. Somewhat outrageously, for a pianist, I prefer the colours and textures of the orchestrated version. I reasonably regularly listen to it, especially in transit. But to be honest, it’s not the kind of music that I perform all that often i.e. music by dead, white, male composers. I mean, it’s 2020 and as the meme says I can’t believe I still have to protest this sh*t.

And I feel it too for those in the visual art world. I mean, things are a good deal better over there in contemporary art world, where women are exhibited regularly and everyone seems to embrace it without a fuss. As for women artists from centuries gone by, it’s less good news but they’re working on it. I’m reminded of the situation daily as my older brother, who is excellent at choosing gifts thoughtfully, gave me some Guerrilla Girls merchandise which I use as an iPad cover. Entitled Advantages of Being a Woman Artist, it’s a list of truths that’s pretty relatable for any creative woman. My favourite bit - Being reassured that whatever kind of art you make it will be labeled feminine. Ooft. Too real.

And so I conceived of this song cycle as a kind of gift for those fighting the traditional, patriarchal structures of the entire creative sector. Three songs, inspired by three works by three wonderful Australian women artists of last century. All are depictions of scenes around Sydney Harbour.

In-curve is inspired by Grace Cossington Smith’s The Bridge in-curve, a depiction of an unfinished Sydney Harbour Bridge, painted in 1930

The Code is inspired by Thea Proctor’s woodcut print Women with fans. It is thought to be a portrait of two other artists, printmakers Ethel Spowers and Eveline Syme, sitting above Rushcutters Bay.

Where would we sail? is inspired by a very different view of the same location Still life and Rushcutters Bay by Margaret Olley.