‘St Kilda’s Alright: The Fred Negro Experience’ – an exciting and fun exhibition consisting of a visually rich pastiche of paintings, drawings, memorabilia, photos, history, film and music – celebrating one of St Kilda’s most iconic artists and residents (Fred Negro) at St Kilda gallery BRIGHTSPACE from 1 – 17 December!
Having had a career in the music and visual art world for close to 40 years, Fred Negro is St Kilda’s undisputed King of rock’n’roll as well as being its unofficial Mayor. A Living Legend in his own right Fred Negro, more than any other musician, has helped to put St Kilda on the map as a thriving live music scene.
‘St Kilda’s Alright: The Fred Negro Experience’ will therefore take an intimate look at the man behind the legend as well as showcasing the musical and visual history of Fred from his start in the 1970s St Kilda Punk scene until his present day incarnation – songs, illustrations, stories and laughs included!
Coordinated by Melynda von Wayward (Punk Journey: St Kilda + Beyond), the exhibition will include:
- Band histories and artefacts
- Photos of Fred taken in the heyday of the Greyhound Hotel’s Rock’n’Roll era by photographer Gary Hallenan
- Many of Fred’s unique book reviews and Pub strips
- A limited edition carpet designed by James Lomas featuring the artwork of Fred Negro
- A never before seen series of acrylic and mixed media works/portraits on canvas, all based around Fred’s personal visual experience of St Kilda
- And more…
Video footage of Fred will also be on display which will be edited by Filmmaker Andrew (Stumpy) Leavold, who is in the process of directing and producing a full length documentary based on the life and times of Fred Negro called ‘Pub’. Andrew will also be documenting the exhibition and adding this footage to the final cut of ‘Pub’.
‘St Kilda’s Alright: The Fred Negro Experience’ is a well-deserved celebration of a man who has helped to put St Kilda on the map as a thriving live music scene!
A series of Fredtastic events surrounding the exhibition will add to the overall calibre, artistic uniqueness and historical nature of this exhibition. This includes the anticipated launch of the Graphic Novel ‘Piranhas in Love’, illustrated by Fred and written by Elizabeth Reale.
A POP UP SHOP, including books, cards, cartoons and other items all relevant to Fred will also be a key component of this fun and exciting exhibition.
Special Events associated with this exhibition:
NB: (All Events are at BRIGHTSPACE except for the St Kilda Music Walking Tour)
Friday December 1, 6-9pm
- Exhibition opens showcasing Fred Negro’s music history, artefacts, acrylic paintings, illustrations, book reviews, photos, video footage and more…
- A separate audio visual room will showcase archival video footage of Fred Negro
- Exhibition to be officially opened by acclaimed Australian musician Paul Stewart (Painters and Dockers)
- Official after party at the Balaclava Hotel with DJ Brett
December 5 and 12
- 2 x free cartoon workshop led by Fred Negro, with up to 20 members of the community writing group ‘Roomers’ – a quarterly magazine made by the people of Port Phillip. These cartoons will then be printed in the following Roomers publication
- NB: (This event is not open to the public)
December 9
- St Kilda Music Walking Tour showcasing many of St Kilda’s iconic music venues
- Free by donation (Bookings essential)
- Visit skmwt.com.au for bookings and for departure time and location
December 10, 2-5pm
- ‘Piranhas in Love’ book launch – A Graphic Novel written by Elizabeth Reale and illustrated by Fred Negro
- With a gig by St Kilda based band The Black Molls.
December 17, 2-5pm
- A floor talk and intimate discussion with Fred Negro and Melbourne musician Dan Warner
- St Kilda based Pop Punk band The Peptides to close the exhibition
This exhibition is not to be missed!
For more event info go to www.brightspace.com.au or P: 9593 9366 or email bright@brightspace.com.auu
Exhibition and Special Events Details:
What: ‘St Kilda’s Alright: The Fred Negro Experience’
When: 1 – 17 December, 2017
Where: BRIGHTSPACE – 8 Martin Street, St Kilda
Contact: P: 9593 9366 or email bright@brightspace.com.au
This project has been supported by the City of Port Phillip through the Cultural Development Fund
