The BLAD artist interviews, no.1: Stelarc
Thursday 11 November 2004
As part of my humble contributions to Australia’s cultural conversation, I am pleased to share with you some of my exclusive interviews with leading contemporary artists in Australia over the years.
Stelarc first came to public attention as a contestant on the TV talent quest Pot of Gold in 1978, performing “Jake the Peg” with a crude home-made cybernetic leg. Since then he has become renowned around the world for his art practice exploring the obsolescence of the human body as a physical subject, largely by trying to kill himself in various innovative ways. This interview was conducted at the University of Melbourne in 1997.
BLAD: Hello.STELARC: Hi. Nice architraves!BLAD: Huh?STELARC: The mouldings are really huge in this place.BLAD: Yeah. Check out the ceiling rose in this room.STELARC: Wow. Hate to have to dust those things.
(laughs)BLAD: OK bye.
Stelarc’s latest project, My Big Fat Greek Virtual Head, is on display in the Chadstone Shopping Centre Galleria until 11 December.
Next, counting the paperclips
Thursday 11 November 2004
Like a teenager with an essay due who suddenly takes an interest in ironing, I have added some more links on this –> side of the screen. Also, the background colour is now a slightly off shade of white. Please enjoy these new features for your enhanced interactive web experience.
Burning with procrastination
Friday 5 November 2004
“You have a down on life – it’s no good!”“I am an artist.”“Yes I’ve heard that before!”
-Wyndham Lewis, Tarr
