Bohemia

Ballarat International Foto Biennale 2015
Photographer Victoria McKay

Bohemia explores the role of the artist’s model while providing homage to Norman Lindsay’s works.

Beautiful curves, perfect skin and skilled posing by the models is the inspiration for his plethora of work and serves as the linchpin between the viewer and the artist. Nudes have been accepted in art for centuries, although the model has not had the same position of power and glory that artists have enjoyed. Here is a tribute to the artist and also to his models without whose skill, patience and daring we would not be enjoying his legacy today.

Norman Lindsay was proficient in many forms of art from etching, sculpting, painting in oils and water colours, to cartoons, novels and the creation of one of Australia’s most loved children’s books, “The Magic Pudding”. In this exhibition he is being honoured for his etching and painting styles, for his imagination and to give credit to his other artistic skills the exhibition name “Bohemia” acknowledges his first novel (1913) “A Curate in Bohemia” which was based on his memories of earlier years in Melbourne. Norman Lindsay continues to be one of the great masters of Australian art, and an inspiration to those who came after him. His legacy remains strong.