by Bill Rathmell
The Tribal Art Fair Sydney, held by the Oceanic Art Society at the National Art School on 17 August, may not be described as the only one of its kind in the world (as is the Parcours des Mondes, elsewhere in this Journal), it is certainly set fair to become the best in the Southern hemisphere!
TAFS began as the germ of an idea in the mind of someone bent on promoting the aims of the OAS. The first ever TAFS – a very modest affair – took place in July 1997 at St Francis Primary School in Paddington. Since then, it has developed via Wentworth Park Market in Glebe (2004), St Matthias‘ church hall in Oxford Street. and Kensington Masonic Centre, to a keenly awaited event that annually attracts a horde of interested visitors – this year over three hundred arrived in a constant stream at the Art School’s iconic Cell Block building. The crowds kept our receptionist Irene Ashburn very busy for most of the day. Several well-known collectors and curators, some from overseas, were amongst the visitors and bought important items. Some of the more enthusiastic tried to get in before the official opening, in order to have first choice of the items on display – exactly what happens at Parcours.
Twenty-two sellers participated and offered a huge range of impressive and interesting pieces that included sculpture, weavings and assorted textiles, basketry, paintings, pottery, jewellery, tools, weapons, tapa, and books. Most of the items displayed were Pacific in origin, traditional and contemporary. The Sydney regular vendors, including members Chris Boylan, Todd Barlin, Brennan King, Geoff Carey, Erwin Kok, Helen Dennett, John Yu, Scott Rainbow, Arthur Whall and Moonyeen Atkinson being joined by newcomers such as Adrian Newstead (Aboriginal art), Damien Minton, Mariann Ford and Jutta Malnic plus Suzanne Pilj and Andrew Baker from interstate. Vendors reported positive vibes all day with brisk sales, and our eftpos machine, managed by Rita Uechtritz, was running hot most of the day – especially important as the Art School’s ATM ran out of cash in the mid-morning! The logistics of the Fair, organised by our own Warwick Majcher, Erwin Kok and Geoff Carey, and by the School’s “Mas” Johnstone, went very smoothly and the vendors were all very happy.
This year’s innovations were great successes also. Andrew Baker gave a splendid lecture to a full house on the life and times of the late contemporary PNG artist Mathias Kauage OBE. We also had an “artist in residence” this year; the NAS student Lesley Wengembo presented his stunning photo-realistic paintings of PNG personalities. The PNG Association of Australia had a table this year. The traditional silent auction also took place with almost half of the items being sold.
Next year the OAS celebrates its 25th anniversary. The TAFS committee is planning further innovations: An Oceanic Art exhibition, more lectures – maybe a floor talk or a “show-and-tell” by an expert, possibly a book launch, and or a Matavai dance event.
Put the date (Saturday, 15 August 2020) in your diaries and help us to make it a truly memorable day by telling your friends, distributing publicity in your suburb, volunteering your assistance on the day, by donating artwork for the silent auction, or offering sponsoring: [email protected].
