All posts by Denver Mottau

Denver’s passion for music, cinema and the arts began at an early age when accompanying his grandmother in her rounds of the entertainment circuits - gaining exposure to Hollywood’s Broadway musicals. This education continued throughout his childhood as the heart-felt melodies of yester-year, and the fantasy of the Golden Years of Hollywood embraced our lives. Choosing a pathway that incorporated all aspects of Sydney lifestyle, Denver was able to make inroads with a variety of independent newspapers and publications to write about subjects of community interest. Over time, he had published a good many front-page stories, helping to overturn political decisions and make an impact on the local scene. What he has enjoyed most is researching areas of health and fitness, music, food and fashion to try and understand what excites the average Sydneysider in their lifestyle and interests. It becomes an on-going avenue of discovery, one that provides great ammunition for stories. Meanwhile, life goes on and the stage is set for reviewing the creativity in visual and performing arts. The challenge is ever present and the results most fulfilling!
Cultural Event

SYDNEY CELEBRATES CITY2SURF 2019

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Sydney’s annual 14 km road race attracted over 80,000 people this year as they braved the cool conditions to participate in the largest fun run of its kind in the world. 

The gruelling course from Hyde Park to Bondi Beach posed a challenge for the serious competitors and a fun day out for others who enjoyed the wonderful atmosphere of the race along the route. 

There was a strong sense of community in this event as thousands of spectators cheered-on and encouraged the runners, walkers and joggers as they made their way through the eastern suburbs of Sydney.  DJ’s and jazz bands, families and kids lined the route with entertainment, water and refreshments to make this a very special outdoor activity for Sydneysiders.

Harry Summers won this race for the third time, finishing at his personal best in 40.05 while Tara Palm was the first woman over the line at 47.11. Jake Lappin won first place in the elite Wheelchair category.

The course record of 40.02 is held by Steve Moneghetti set in 1991. Susie Powers still hangs on to the women’s title at 45.08 in 2001.

CITY2SURF is an iconic race that has grown in popularity with runners supporting over 1000 charities to help those in need. The organisers do a terrific job in controlling this large-scale activity – starting runners at staggered times based on their previous running time or early entry. 

The fun element of the race is where people from all walks of life, mass together and enjoy a big day out celebrating an event that encourages a healthy lifestyle in mid-Winter. Starting off with heavy clothes in freezing conditions, runners usually end up peeling them off as they struggle up Heartbreak Hill, the half-way mark of the race. At the finish line in Bondi Beach you show a sigh of relief having completed 14 km – hot, exhausted and ready to enjoy a well-earned lunch.

Pics by Denver Mottau

 

 

 

Visual Arts

PANORAMA BY DAVID HINCHLIFFE @ WENTWORTH GALLERIES

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Australian artist David Hinchliffe’s solo exhibition opened in Sydney early this week showcasing his brilliant new works consisting of large-scale panoramic scenes of Sydney Harbour, local and international streetscapes and the perspectives of everyday life. 

David travels the globe capturing the essence and beauty of cities around the world in its many varied forms. Using his contemporary impressionist style, he creates an uplifting bold colour palette of city landscapes with the movement of light, shadows and shapes strongly influencing his feel and perception of the vibrancy and atmosphere within that urban environment.

In fact, David admits that the act of painting requires enormous concentration and focus to achieve the creativity that works for him.  Continue reading PANORAMA BY DAVID HINCHLIFFE @ WENTWORTH GALLERIES →

Visual Arts

ANTHONY LISTER RETURNS TO KINGS CROSS WITH ANOTHER ONE NIGHT ONLY EXHIBITION

Anthony Lister, a Brisbane artist who staged a one-night only art installation at the heart of Kings Cross ten years ago, did the same again – this time coming back with a vengeance to add colour and life to this one-time bustling entertainment precinct. 

Lister’s latest exhibition `Culture is Over’ opened on Wednesday July 17 at the old Porky’s entertainment venue in Darlinghurst Road Kings Cross to packed audiences. The abandoned nightclub was cleaned up for the pop-up art installations and restored temporarily to its former glory to accommodate a mix of paintings, sculptures and lighting on display.  The queue to get-in was long – due to the outstanding support for this event, but with security guards on duty and excellent catering by Fishbowl, the evening became a breeze.

In returning to Sydney having toured around the world creating his type of public artworks, the artist was somewhat dismayed at the post-lockout laws embracing the character of this suburb. Taking the initiative to strike a chord where he left-off a decade ago, Lister put-together this amazing show inviting Sydney to his trip down memory lane.

Many Sydneysiders share his beliefs and look forward to seeing this iconic suburbia experience a new lease in life in the not too distant future.

(All pics by Denver Mottau)

Cultural Event

BOB HAWKE : FAREWELL TO AN AUSSIE ICON

For one last time, thousands of Australians of every description braved the cold weather to say farewell to their favourite PM. Those who could not get tickets, settled on at the steps of the Sydney Opera House and watched the Memorial service on the big screen outside. Hawke had fulfilled his mission to bring-together many Australians under his unique style of leadership. Success was sweet, and his legacy assured. They came to say a final goodbye and offer thanks to a well loved national icon.

As the Sydney symphony orchestra began to play Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, the screen come alive with a video footage of Hawke conducting the same piece (recorded at his 80th Birthday) and now, at his own memorial at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall.
Cultural Event

SYDNEY’S MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK 2019

The Australian Fashion Industry’s biggest names were there in full force to cover the most talked about event in the fashion calendar. The launch of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia on Sunday May 12 in Hickson road, `The Rocks’ in Sydney.

Iconic fashion label Aje opened the show in style using the spectacular backdrop of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House to highlight their collections. A week-long schedule of runway shows followed with some notable and rising fashion talents strutting their stuff off site, as well as the catwalk hub at Carriageworks.

Although the number of shows were reduced for various reasons, the quality and presentation has taken quantum leaps. Now in its 24th year, Australian Fashion Week creates a platform for emerging designers as well as established brands to have access to a global audience of buyers, press and consumers to showcase their Resort 20 Collections, generate sales and grow their business with the ongoing support of the NSW Government to reinforce Sydney as a global fashion capital. Continue reading SYDNEY’S MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK 2019 →

Cultural Event

SYDNEY’S MARDI GRAS PARADE IS FAST APPROACHING

The photo above is of Fiona Lowry with her subject and behind them is her actual painting, The title of the painting is – I dream in my dream all the dreams of the other dreamers . 2014. Acrylic on canvas. Fiona Lowry won the Sir John Sullivan Prize in 2014. Her painting is held in the collection of Dr Dick Quan Sydney and is currently on view at the National Art School, Darlinghurst in its Queer Contemporary gallery.

The week has been a fun-filled and colourful  one for the LGBTQI community, family and friends as they prepare for the centrepiece of their celebration, Sydney’s Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday 2 March 2019.

Unlike any other celebration in Sydney, the iconic Parade is the most talked about and admired for its satirical takes on every aspect of controversy, be it political, social, religious or discriminatory.  This year’s  theme is Fearless – much about  living freely in the face of fear to combat all forms of discrimination.
The many bold and outrageous floats that go to make up this parade is the reason why so many people line the streets to witness this marvellous spectacle of colour and imagination. A stand-out demonstration of LGBTQI creativity personified!
All photos by Denver Mottau
Sydney Festival 2019, Theatre

COUNTING AND CRACKING @ SYDNEY TOWN HALL

COUNTING & CRACKING is a Sri Lankan story made into a powerful stage play about a family’s journey to remain united across countries, and across generations following a long-term civil war that claimed the lives of over 100,000 people.

It is an emotional tale about a family torn apart by the war, going back and forth in time to tell this story using an international cast of 16 actors from 6 countries playing four generations of a family. The play is performed in six languages and translated simultaneously.

Director Eamon Flack took up the challenge to work with playwright Shakthi Shakthidharan over a period of 5 years to make this production possible.

Shakthi researched the story of his Sri Lankan great grandfather and went to great pains to discover the truth about what really happened there over time. He eventually found out what brought his family to Australia and gradually began to grasp his own history in the making. The information was invaluable in piecing-together his roots, and developing this into a realistic story about coming together, and breaking apart. Continue reading COUNTING AND CRACKING @ SYDNEY TOWN HALL →

Sculpture

BIRDS AND ANIMALS IN BRONZE : A NEW EXHIBITION BY JANE DAWSON

Acclaimed Sculptor Jane Dawson with a glass of champagne leaning against her sculpture of the native bird, the Emu.

Australian sculptor, Jane Dawson brings birds, animals and human figures to life in her beautifully made and finely executed sculpture exhibition at Maunsell Wickes gallery in Paddington.

Over time, Jane has found the point of balance in her sculptures, capturing the `bush spirit’ and images of the various species that roam the globe in a well-defined array of bronze and copper art
pieces that impress.

Here is Dawson’s take on animals, man and nature, explicitly created as a compelling work of art with an integrity all its own. Continue reading BIRDS AND ANIMALS IN BRONZE : A NEW EXHIBITION BY JANE DAWSON →

Awards

FASHION STARS HONOURED @ 2018 FASHION LAUREATE AWARDS

The crème of Australia’s fashion-elite attended the 2018 Fashion Laureate Awards ceremony recently to honour individuals who have made a significant contribution to the growth, development and global promotion of this country’s fashion industry.

Designers, models and industry professionals graced the Australian Fashion Laureate red carpet at the State Theatre in Sydney to celebrate the 11th year of this gala event hosted by international supermodel Georgia Fowler and celebrated Aussie comedian Ash Williams.

It was a night to reflect on the achievements in Australian Fashion and acknowledge the outstanding accomplishments by individuals in different categories. Continue reading FASHION STARS HONOURED @ 2018 FASHION LAUREATE AWARDS →

Theatre

CHARLIE SHEEN IN SYDNEY

 

Hollywood actor Charlie Sheen made an appearance in Melbourne and Sydney recently on a popular speaking tour of Australia. Some Sydney fans paid as much as $1500 for a VIP Meet & Greet ticket to connect with the former Two and A Half Men star who holds a strong fan-base in Australia.

An Evening with Charlie Sheen hosted by Richard Wilkins gave Sydney audiences an insight into the actor’s career as he took them through some of the defining moments in the making of movies such as Platoon, Wall St, Young Guns, Major League and Hotshots. Sheen discussed his multiple roles as his career took shape as a youngster in Hollywood. Continue reading CHARLIE SHEEN IN SYDNEY →

Cinema, Cultural Event

ARE YOU READY FOR AN EVENING WITH CHARLIE SHEEN?

Charlie Sheen, one of Hollywood’s most unique and colourful characters is in Australia to talk about his interesting, but controversial life.  He will take over Melbourne’s MCEC on Saturday 3rd November before coming to Sydney to entertain audiences at ICC Darling Harbour on Sunday 4th November 2018.

Best known for his eight-year stint with the long-running sitcom Two and A Half Men, Sheen made his mark, and his rise to fame in a role that ideally suited his personality and acting skills. At the height of his career in 2010, Charlie Sheen became the world’s highest paid Television actor earning $1.8 million an episode.

However, in 2011 he was fired from the show after making derogatory comments about the show’s creator Chuck Lorre. From then onwards, it was a downhill plunge for the actor who somehow lost control of his life. Continue reading ARE YOU READY FOR AN EVENING WITH CHARLIE SHEEN? →