“Every artist could probably quote their worst review word-perfect”
February 17, 2016
In Sydney, a dialogue on British artist Grayson Perry with the Museum of Contemporary Art’s chief curator, Rachel Kent.
Archives by Category » Visual Arts
Sydney Summer Cultural Highlights
February 17, 2016
On the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Sydney Festival, and more.
David Bowie is
August 18, 2015
A look back at the first international retrospective of David Bowie’s multifaceted career; plus, viewing notes from the Art Institute of Chicago.
Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
June 17, 2015
On the unsettling and unlikely beauty of Alexander McQueen’s designs, currently in retrospective at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum.
Against Efficiency and other texts
May 1, 2015
Summer Writing Resident Matilda Fraser responds to the question “is criticism still relevant?” with this suite of texts developed under Blue Oyster Art Project Space’s online publications initiative, with mentorship and publishing support from The Lumière Reader.
Late Turner, Gerhard Richter, Steve McQueen’s Ashes
November 21, 2014
J.M.W Turner’s late masterpieces at the Tate Britain; Marian Goodman exhibits new and recent works by Gerhard Richter; plus, Steve McQueen’s new video installation courtesy of Thomas Dane Gallery.
Horst P. Horst and the Russian avant-garde theatre
November 20, 2014
At London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, a definitive retrospective of Horst P. Horst’s iconic fashion images, plus radical designs from the Russian avant-garde theatre.
Contemplating National Gallery and PRISMISM
August 1, 2014
The parallel spaces of Frederick Wiseman’s National Gallery documentary and Emil McAvoy’s first exhibition of paintings.
2015 Summer Writing Residency
July 17, 2014
We’re excited to be collaborating with Dunedin’s Blue Oyster Art Project Space on a new Summer Writing Residency focused on critical writing practice.
Simon Starling: In Speculum
March 4, 2014
The Turner Prize-winning conceptual artist discusses his practice ahead of a major survey of his work—one of the highlights of the New Zealand Festival.
Festival!
January 7, 2014
Selected highlights from the forthcoming New Zealand Festival for 2014.
Peter McLeavey: The Life and Times of a New Zealand Art Dealer
December 14, 2013
On the legacy of Peter McLeavey, the charismatic, pioneering art dealer who since the 1960s has shaped—even transformed—New Zealand art.
Milestones in Books, Theatre and Art
December 10, 2013
To mark ten years online and in print, a selection of “personal milestones” from past and present contributors to The Lumière Reader.
Site + Story + Object: A Theory of Engagement
November 27, 2013
An exploration of harmonious museum spaces, from Vienna’s Kunst Haus Wien to Wellington’s Carter Observatory.
Condemned: Mental Health in African Countries in Crisis
November 2, 2013
The exquisite and harrowing images behind New Zealander Robin Hammond’s W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund winning photojournalism.
Art and Soul: Museum Hours
July 10, 2013
Jem Cohen explores the fluidity of art, the post-punk ethos, and the invigorating act of seeing and thinking in his absorbing new film.
The 5th Auckland Triennial:
If you were to live here…
July 3, 2013
The problematic dialectic at the heart of curator Hou Hanru’s question/anti-question is explored by a number of artists at the 5th Auckland Triennial.
the grass is awfully green
July 2, 2013
Peter Black continues his photographic exploration of New Zealand’s social landscape.
The Photographer
June 19, 2013
A succinct interview with photographer Ans Westra, whose new book Nga Tau ki Muri: Our Future looks at New Zealand’s environment through 20 years of images.
The Stuttering Conversation:
Art New Zealand in 2013
February 21, 2013
Art New Zealand opens its mouth and finds itself suddenly mute. THOMASIN SLEIGH thinks about art criticism in New Zealand.