Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Thursday 24 March 2016

More from Enlighten 2016

This is the final post in the Enlighten 2016 series.  I started with a Sunday Selections devoted to the rabbit sub-theme, which you can find  here.  Then to another Sunday Selections featuring jelly fish which is here, and then to the first half of the illuminations in this post.

This is another photo-heavy post.

I thoroughly enjoyed Enlighten but in the last few days have read something which has taken some of the shine off.  Our local government commissioned young and emerging artists to design the projections for the buildings.  Sadly they decided that having the work publically displayed was sufficient payment.  The outcry has been such that I hope in future years the artists WILL get financial recognition too.

More coloured eucalypts.



Starting at Old Parliament House.  Many of the illuminations were political in nature.










Moving to Questacon, our interactive Science and Technology Centre.  Most, but not all, of the projections were geometric.






 There was a hologram of a spider outside the first night we visited, and it was echoed on the walls on the last night.





Then to two acrobatic performances near by - both making use of hoops inset with neon lights.  They moved too fast for my camera, but I think (hope) that the blur conveys some of the mood.






Then to the National Library.  With the exception of the ubiquitous rabbits, their illuminations reference the recent exhibition about Celestial China.






 Nearly finished now.  Just two random acts, splashes of colour and quirkiness.



It really is an explosion of light, colour (and sound) isn't it? 

120 comments:

  1. It certainly is a wonderful spectable of colour. It is utterly amazing. Magical in fact Sue.

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    1. Margaret Adamson: Having discovered it, it has become a must-see annual treat.

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  2. Such a wonderful event. Sad, though, that the artists weren't paid. Beautiful photos, as always.

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    1. Mason Canyon: I am hoping that the community uproar has taught the government the error of its ways.

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  3. That is amazing. I hope it really draws the crowds since there is so much to see.

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    1. donna baker: It does draw the crowds. Every night it is on, but particularly the weekends. Justifiably. I don't like crowds but willingly endure them for the spectacle.

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  4. "Oh, you made this? Really? It's beautiful! Would you make one for me?"
    Artists hear this all the time. Would these people go into a shop and say "Will you give me that plasma screen TV?"

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    1. dinahmow: I hope I have never been guilty of that sin. I do like the idea of marching into shops and asking for gifts though.

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  5. Wonderful pictures. So colorful and beautiful.

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    1. Rasma Raisters: I am glad you liked it. It is amazing. From start to finish.

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  6. Great images, appreciate you sharing.

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  7. What a glorious display - the library's my favorite. And how clever - no hall to rent, open to all.

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    1. Marty Damon: It is not unique to my city, but they do make clever use of the idea. Our institutions have never looked so vibrant - or had so many visitors.

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  8. Beautiful colors! Yes, more and more people want the arts for nothing...noticed the publishing world wants to give less and less while artists still work just as hard as ever.

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    1. Bookie: I wonder why? It isn't as if artists didn't face the same financial needs as the rest of us. And sadly very few artists are financially secure.

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  9. These are so awesome. I'm glad they're getting financially recognized, because that work is amazing and looks like it took a lot of effort! So much fun and energy and emotion. Breathtaking for thousands of miles away! Nice photography!

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    1. HBF: This year the artists were robbed. Money hungry government at its worst. In future years they will (I hope) be properly paid.

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  10. Not paid? Extraordinary! I like the politician projection and haha at the gravy boat. It's good to see the inclusion of Je suis Charlie.

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    1. Andrew: Hiss and spit on the no pay front. Big hiss and spit. I really liked the parliament house cartoons too. I was waiting for one about Choppergate, but didn't see one.

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  11. Wow they are amazing. And they definitely deserve to be payed for their work!

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    1. LL Cool Joe: They definitely deserved to be paid. And I hope and trust that they will be in future years.

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  12. Such artistic imaginations! Light displayed in different ways!

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    1. Susan Kane: Clever, and fun. I am in awe at artist's imagination and at the technical creativity.

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  13. Pretty preeeeeeety preeeeeeeeeety. The buildings are superb, lovely to see, and take some photos.

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    1. Bob Bushell: It is indeed lovely to see, and I took lots of photos. Lots and lots.

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  14. The building with the spiders is just amazing.

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: I was impressed with the spiders too. My partner (who is spider phobic) scurried past that illumination.

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  15. Darn cheap, to not pay artists. Everyone else involved likely got a paycheck. Love the hula hoops blurred in color and the giant spiders.

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    1. Strayer: Governments are like that. Cheap and slimy.

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  16. Absolutely brilliant. If I had to single out one set, it would be the National Library shots. Wonderful.

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    1. Alexia: It is brilliant, and I loved the National Library too. I loved it all.

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  17. Yes, it is! I enjoy these visits to your part of the world immensely, EC. And let's hope that the artists will receive the kind of compensation that pays the rent. :-)

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    1. DJan: I hope that in future years they will be paid. Properly.

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  18. I loved it all but the gravy boat was hilariously brilliant!

    Not paying the artists? A bunch of unregenerate butt munches.

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    1. The Cranky: The last Federal Government had several scandals about their fondness for the gravy boat. And Mr 'Get out of the pool' probably wanted it all to himself.

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  19. Well, I guess I know when to visit now. And those are all great pics, including the hula hoop ones :)

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    1. mshatch: March is a good time to visit. Particularly if Autumn has made her appearance.

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  20. I wish I could have been there!!

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    1. fishducky: I wish you could have too. And rather a lot of other blog friends.

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  21. Oh wow! Oh wow! Oh wow! I am insanely jealous! Thank you so much for sharing all of your pictures.

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    1. Anne in the kitchen: It is an amazing festival isn't it? I am so glad we discovered it.

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  22. Glad the artists got to share their vision and have a good note in their portfolios

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  23. So amazing to visit through your pictures! What a spectacular show! I am so sorry the artists weren't paid- I can imagine it is hard for them to work for free. I am so glad you shared your pictures with us. :)
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS: I don't think anyone should work for free. I am really peeved at the cheapness and nastiness of that move. Hopefully it won't happen again.

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  24. Wondrous. I'm so glad you shared with us.
    So did the government lead them to believe they were going to be paid then backed out? Who paid for the supplies? Paints and brushes.....expensive.

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    1. Sandra Cox: The full story is not clear but it seems that the government approached young and emerging artist and asked them to submit work. They were told that they wouldn't be paid, but the government got the benefit. And being showcased is one thing, but there were no names attached to the work...
      I understand that government officials worked on the technical side of the projections, but they needed those images.
      Growl.

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    2. That is pretty rude. What are you supposed to do when you put your resume together? Tell them to check out the art on the building on 22nd and Denmark Street (or wherever)? Actually I guess they'd have a digital of it, but not even signing off on it and yes they should have paid them. They would pay to get it painted.

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    3. Sandra Cox: And it is made even more difficult for the artists because the projections are ephemeral. Up for two weeks and gone.

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  25. It was wonderful - thank you for all the pictures. There seemed to be something for everyone there. Have to say the spiders kind of made me nervous. Poor spiders. They get a bad rap, don't they? But they give me shivers ...

    Why are creative endeavors so often seen as unworthy of proper remuneration? I wouldn't want to live in a world without books, art and music.

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    1. jenny_o: I am fine with spiders. Snakes? No. The smaller portion is the opposite. And the irony is that I have twice been fanged by a spider. If you get the opportunity google peacock spiders. They are tiny, enchanting and I would LOVE to see one in real life.
      Exactly on the remuneration front. A world without art (in all its forms) would be severely diminished.

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    2. Oh my goodness - peacock spiders are amazing! So beautiful, and fascinating behavior. I found a video of one doing the mating dance. Thank you!

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    3. jenny_o: Aren't they amazing???

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  26. It's all so beautiful, but I LOVE the hoops swingers.
    The cartoon erasing the colour from the building is great :D. I couldn't look at the geometric buildings too long, they made my eyes spin.

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    1. River: When the geometric illuminations were moving it made my stomach spin.

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  27. WOW, these are incredible!

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    1. Nicky HW: It was an incredible festival. We went twice and could have seen more if we had gone again. And if we had gone to the ticketed items more again.

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  28. They are lucky to get the get those that do this, to do it for nothing these days - let's hope they do get something in the future.
    Gorgeous to see in reality, I bet!

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    1. Margaret-whiteangel: I think it was theft. I really, really hope that they have learnt and will pay the artists next time.
      And yes, it was gorgeous in reality.

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  29. Those photos are truly remarkable!

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    1. Lon Anderson: They really only capture a shadow of the festival though.

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  30. recognition never put food on the table!

    I love nearly all of it, the geometrical stuff bores me to tears (sorry)

    xo

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    1. kylie: Don't be sorry. There was something there for almost everyone, but no-one had to like it all. Those geometric patterns moved - which meant that I didn't find them dull, but a bit queasy making.
      You are so right about the 'use' of recognition.

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  31. Hi EC - what an amazing display ... and I'm glad they'll get some sort of financial reward, along with recognition next year. The holograms are amazing ... just wonderful and so creative all round - love the little boy ... he will be iconic in years to come ...

    Cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: If the artists aren't to be paid I hope they refuse to play. Which I would mourn, but understand.

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  32. Awesome pictures EC. Thank you for sharing them.

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    1. carol: My pleasure. The next big post (after Sunday Selections) is balloons.

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  33. That must be a feat to pull all that off! And amazing to see in person.

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    1. Lynn: The organisation for the event must be huge. Particularly as the events change from week to week. I am very, very grateful for the effort.

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  34. I love these. Thanks for sharing. Wish we had something like this in the States.

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    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: I am surprised you don't. I don't know where we got the idea from here in Oz, but it is becoming fairly widespread.

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  35. ahhhhhhhh...very cool.

    It's been seduced into my brain lately that photography is all about the use of light.

    :)

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    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: So much of life is about the interplay between light and shade. With bonus colour.

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  36. Magnificent. Art should not only be enjoyed, it should be paid for. I say this as a grandmother to a few aspiring artists.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: As the beneficiary of many artists from many genres I agree. The time for starving them in garretts should be over. So last century (or the ones before).

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  37. You're right EC it was an assault on my visual sense and I loved it! I love colour and movement. More please? Great to be back in blogworld for a while and catching up with some of my favourites.

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    1. Rose ~ from Oz: How lovely to see you back in the blogosphere. I loved all of the photos you shared in your latest post and echo your 'More please?'

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  38. Amazing!!! Thank you so much for sharing. We are ever so boring. Honestly, we have nothing that even comes close.

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    1. Sonya Ann: I am very, very happy to share, and glad you liked it.

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  39. Must have been a fantastic sight. Your photos show it, they are great.

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    1. DeniseinVA: It was incredible. And believe me, my photos only capture a smidgeon of the joy.

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  40. I haven't done much blog-hopping this month (or much on my own blog either!) but this morning I took advantage of a few free moments to get caught up on your posts. Thank you for sharing your amazing photos of both Enlightenment and the Balloon Spectacular. It has made me want to visit your part of the world even more. I would love to see all of this although perhaps my favorite photo is of the kangaroo you saw the morning the balloons did not fly.

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    1. Susan F.: We see kangaroos often. And are always, but always glad to see them. That one was a powerful beauty wasn't he?

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  41. Gorgeous colors and artistry on the buildings! It's so sad that people in general seem to think that exposure of talent is sufficient reward for tremendous effort these days. Authors face the same hardship. Everybody wants freebies.

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    1. River Fairchild: Hiss and spit. As you know I am awed by artistry. Including writing artistry.

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  42. You have opened my eyes to things I had never imagined would be found down under.

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    1. Jono: I am glad. I so often get my eyes and mind opened in the blogosphere.

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  43. Yes, an explosive explosion that would increase my local pride and motivation to argue with the government. I can't imagine how many hours went into that art. The talent is amazing too.

    Take care, EC.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: My local community often has a difficult relationship with the arts. It wants to see it, but resents paying for it. I am very glad that on this occasion every comment that I have seen has come down firmly on the necessity to pay the artists for their work.

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  44. A wonderful festival of visual arts, sound and movement. We do have a feast of talent in this country of ours...encompassing varied genres.

    Love it! :)

    I hope you have a relaxed, enjoyable Easter weekend, EC. :)

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    1. Lee: I am always blown away by the talent of artists across the world, regardless of genre.

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  45. This looks really super, I'd love to see it in person. I think the Canadian Houses of Parliament have a similar light show projected onto the buildings during the summer months. Maybe I should go and check it out. I haven't visited Ottawa for about 20 years!!

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    1. Shammickite: This one only goes for ten days, but they are an action packed ten days. I hope you do get to check out the Canadian Houses of Parliament display sometime - and show the rest of us.

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  46. Replies
    1. Yolanda Renee: A feast for the eyes, the ears, and the nose. Lots of feasts.

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  47. What an amazing celebration!

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  48. So beautiful and intriguing! And, yes... so obnoxious that they wouldn't pay the artists. Artists and writers are apparently supposed to pay their rents with "recognition" or "exposure" these days. [Hiss.]

    Even so, they sure did a great job. I'm glad you got to go out and explore a bit. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Paper Chipmunk (aka Ellen): How nice to see you. I suspect that artists (of whatever kind) have always been supposed to not only survive but thrive on recognition. How inconsiderate when they wan't more.

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  49. Such Fab photos! Isn't amazing the talent we have in our world!

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    1. Ginger Dawn Harman: It is. I am constantly grateful - and a touch jealous.

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  50. Just returned from a sad trip to see a dying relative. I had to come and look at the pictures I missed. I am so impressed by this light show. And even more impressed and grateful that you take the time to display all these wonderful pictures. I saw all I missed, though I didn't comment on the posts. Thanks so much.

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    1. Myrna R.: I am so sorry about your sad trip, and very grateful that you took the time to look at my photos. I hope you are ok.

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  51. Yes, it absolutely IS an explosion of light, color... oops, sorry, "colour,"... and sound. (I"m imagining the sounds, anyway.) Thank you so much for sharing all of these pictures with us. The whole thing looks absolutely amazing, and something I would truly enjoy seeing in person.

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    1. Susan: There are so many people (you included) that I would have loved to have shared this with (in the flesh).

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  52. Those designs would have taken many hours to create, and they clearly have given joy to many viewers. I'm stunned by the local government's decision not to pay the artists. They wouldn't dream of going to a restaurant and not paying because 'exposure' should be payment enough.

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    1. Kim: I agree. And I think it was a particularly nasty thing to target young and emerging artists for this particular scam.

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  53. Such brave and bold expressions splashed onto buildings in light and color! I love it!
    Brilliant idea. Someday artists will be well compensated for the joy and insight they bring.
    I believe. I'll not stop believing.
    And it's sweet to see all of your images.
    Stretches out the world for me....gives me perspective.
    I so appreciate that, friend.
    Much love,
    Jennifer

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    1. Jennifer Richardson: Isn't it wonderful that the blogosphere makes our beautiful world smaller? Hugs.

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  54. Glad you had a wonderful time, EC.
    Always love your photos of the spectacular Enlighten.
    So bright, beautiful and lively!

    I have to say I am very disappointed at the decision to not reward emerging artists monetarily.
    There should be more incentive to create art.
    And, so many people fail to realise that art supplies are not cheap... nor is an artist's skill or the time it takes to create.

    As an artist, I struggle with people's attitude about what art is worth to them, especially when they compare to cheaply made, mass produced items, which has skewed many opinions on what they think they should pay.

    Complimentary lip service and free exhibiting is not enough to feed an artist, for we too have bills to pay and mouths to feed.

    I agree with Kim - one wouldn't expect a restaurant to plate up free meals in return for exposure.

    In a world where art is so necessary to elevate our spirits, there is so often not enough recompense for the talent, heart and soul that is put into the works.

    Sorry for the rant. It makes my blood boil when artists are taken advantage of...

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    1. Vicki: Absolutely NO arguments. Can you imagine the furore if one didn't pay for restaurant meals or as dinahmow suggested televisions. And art is an essential. Whether people realise it or not. Our worlds would be diminished severely without it.

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  55. Wow! That is my response to so much light and colour, some of which I found a wee bit garish but overall so many delightful things to see. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful display with us.

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    1. Mimsie: Some of it is undeniably garish, but there is (I think) something for everyone to enjoy. Which is wonderful.

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  56. Beautiful!
    Artists should always get paid - period. Exposure counts for nothing if it just leads to more unpaid work, which is often the case.

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    1. Jackie K: Artist should indeed get paid and I am glad to report that this year seems to be a one-off. The local government has been shamed into committing themselves to doing the right things in future.

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  57. Brilliant work, young artists. Simply fabulous. I've always liked the work of Oz creative people. Their work is not seen enough outside of Oz, honestly.

    I hope next time, they don't settle for only 'exposure' though.

    And I hope they work they've done here gets them work that they're paid for. 'Exposure' alone doesn't buy bread.

    Can you imagine citizens telling govt. people to work for love of country alone?

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    1. neena maiya (guyana gyal): You have got me thinking. Other than our indigenous artists I have never thought of a particularly Australian artistic style...
      I hope and believe that the exposure obscenity will not happen again.

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