The Thousands

Ah, Spring in Melbourne! Torrential rain, electrical storms, adorable bunnies underfoot and new artist-run initiatives opening up in basements in Carlton. Literally underground is the new figuratively underground. The lowdown on New Low is that they are going to plumb new heights of brows both high and low with short shows featuring emerging artists (who may be high). Experimental, contemporary art practices in any media you care to mention. The barriers to entry are high at New Low, curatrix Tara Cook is making sure you only see the good stuff.

The first of their monthly group shows features contributions from more than twenty artists including Dyana Gray, Tristan Jalleh, Marcia Jane, Michael Ozone and Paul Wotherspoon. There will also be live music performances by Ben Byrne, Dick Threats, Young Romantix, Angel Eyes, Zayd Thring solo (Pets with Pets) and JK Fuller (Zond, Tax).

I’d say this bodes well for Melbourne’s art scene. Let’s hope they are around for a while. Of course, they’ll  just be ‘Low’ by then.

Image: Tristan Jalleh, still from video work Dubai Skyscrapers