David Menzies
David’s initial focus centred on the work of Picasso (“The Weeping Woman” 1937) and Lucy Randell (VCE), a student undertaking Studies in Arts from St. Leonard’s College, Brighton. Much of the artistic and cultural work undertaken presently reflects the drastic earthly conditions we are facing as well its unpredictability? Hence, off line learning and presentation of works by artists of various ages, backgrounds and interests has become the norm in this unfamiliar situation. Guided tours, discussions and evaluations of work have thus become a significant component of information technology as one shows how to deal with such surreal situations. Communication has become a key strategy while the lockdown situation (NGV) has resulted in artists working from within a range of diverse situations and abodes, most of which are at a personal level and which reduces the level of face to face interaction. Therefore, in a number of instances creativity, vision and independence has formed the basis of virtual exhibitions and forms of presentation at the NGV.
Online events have allowed virtual exhibitions (10 -12 staff and some 1300 students) creation of some 500 videos, 885 000 virtual tours, 1470 media posts etc. It is anticipated that some 12 million + people have been reached and touched as a result of such initiatives been undertaken by staff, students and professional artists. Living and surviving in the present climate has allowed large numbers of masks to be made available to the wider community while at the same time maintaining positive roles of imagination, creativity and resilience etc. A major focus of works displayed and presented surrounds the magnificent work of Egyptians (clay), and Japanese artists (dominant and influential).
In conclusion, David’s presentation was highly professional, energising, engaging, significantly researched and which reflected a strong level of caring and communication with his colleagues and associates. His presentation was greatly admired and appreciated by members of Carlton Rotary. The level of questions put to David were answered in a most knowledgeable and understanding manner and which further demonstrated a wonderful effort of planning and preparation.