President Report April 2025
My first experience with Yayoi Kusama’s artwork left me in awe.
In 2000, as Australia prepared to host the XXVII Olympics in Sydney, the excitement surrounding the event was all-encompassing.
Prior to the Olympics, the 12th Biennale of Sydney took place from May to July, featuring forty-eight artists from twenty-three countries.
Yayoi Kusama presented inflatable works at the Customs House at Circular Quay. As I stepped into the space, a glow of red enveloped me. Massive suspended red and white polka-dotted inflatable forms hung from above, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
Since that time, I have encountered a variety of her artworks, including her mesmerizing infinity rooms, which are always a delight.
With our own NGV hosting the largest exhibition of Kusama’s work in Australia, we can take pride in the seven years of effort that went into curating this remarkable show, featuring nearly two hundred works.
Reflecting on the women who founded MSWPS in 1902 and their purpose, I can’t help but wonder how far we have come. To a certain extent, female artists are now honored as Yayoi Kusama is today—rightfully so. Yet, we recognize that the journey toward gender equality in the arts is ongoing. What remains unwavering is the support women provide for one another.
Did you know that Ola Cohn House is heritage-listed? I didn’t! What a privilege it is for our society to be based in such a historically significant residence.
If you’d like to learn more, you can read about it here:
https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/12499
Your committee is currently in discussion with Management Facilities, the team overseeing Ola Cohn House. We plan to address questions regarding the facility: How can our society make better use of the space? Is it possible to modernize it for the 21st century with internet access and air conditioning?
Additionally, can MSWPS hold events on days other than Thursday? As our membership demographic evolves, it is crucial to remain flexible, adaptable, and open to new opportunities—perhaps even ones we have yet to consider. By encouraging emerging artists to engage with MSWPS and eventually take on leadership roles, we can ensure the society’s continued growth.
Keep an eye on the website for News and Reviews, as The Bulletin is evolving to integrate more closely with the MSWPS website.
As always, we encourage you to keep your personal profile updated and to share news of your events, achievements, and upcoming activities.
Happy Birthday April born Artists.
Denise Keele-bedford