Nestled on the corner of Foster Street, Sydney, amidst boutique hotels, converted warehouses turned contemporary office spaces, an assisted living facility, and fancy cocktail bars, you’ll find the iconic Hotel Hollywood. This renowned establishment holds a plethora of stories, as shared by Rupert McEvoy, one of the three curators responsible for the upcoming group show happening on the first floor of the pub.
In the midst of counting and cataloguing the vast collection of artwork, the curators estimate that over 150 pieces created by at least 100 artists will be on display. The roster includes both established names like Blak Douglas, Lindy Lee, and Ken Done, as well as emerging artists and first-timers, including the notable John Safran. The artworks have been lovingly squeezed into the dilapidated apartment that was previously occupied by the legendary Doris Goddard, opening its doors to the public for the first time.
Doris Goddard, a cabaret performer and screen actor, purchased the venue in 1977 and resided above it for nearly four decades. She played an important role in transforming the Hollywood into one of Sydney’s first pubs where men and women could drink side by side. Dana Art Wales, the exhibition’s co-curator, explains that Goddard had a strict policy against harassment and personally attended to any complaints from her post behind the bar, where she would often regale patrons with tall tales and strum her guitar.
The back room, once designated for women, now showcases Goddard’s memorabilia, including a letter to former prime minister Gough Whitlam, glamorous cabaret photos and cameos, assertive letters to lawyers, stacks of passports, and bundles of cross-continental love letters. Wales and McEvoy, who first crossed paths at the Hollywood, saw an opportunity to repurpose the first floor, which had been filled with boxes since Goddard’s passing. The idea of an art show, co-curated by McEvoy’s collaborator Alba Tijm, seemed like the perfect fit.
The younger curators are passionate about promoting local emerging artists, showcasing not only up-and-comers like Bridget Stehli, Wolfgang Saker (son of Michael, who also contributes to the show), and Lyla Dushas, but also their friends, neighbors, and art school peers. Wales, referred to as the “Warhol of Darlo,” brings decades of art-world experience and a network of connections from his time in Australia and New York, where he collaborated with icons like Keith Haring.
Artworks by renowned artists Reg Mombassa, Susan O’Doherty, Louise Tuckwell, Ken Done, and Graeme Davey can be found scattered throughout the apartment. Notably, Davey’s archival Triple J “exploding head” artwork from the 90s is on loan for the show.
McEvoy describes the show as a collection of things they personally love, a collaboration with friends and colleagues to create something truly remarkable. The exhibition features a silver gun from famous Basquiat forger Alfredo Martinez, who recently passed away in New York. Works by family members of artists and curators are displayed alongside pieces from local figures like Peter Jia and Rhett Hutchence. Several artworks have already been sold, marking the success of the show.
Witnessing friends from their university days exhibiting alongside renowned artists like Lindy Lee and Blak Douglas brings great joy to McEvoy. This blending of talent and the democratized lineup reflects Wales’ philosophy that there’s no need to feel intimidated in the art world – seeking help and collaboration is essential.
Wales, known for his playful reinterpretation of vintage brands, ad campaigns, and playing cards, has been creating art in a room above Goddard’s apartment for the past year. When he lost his studio, he reached out to the manager of the Hollywood and proposed becoming an “artist in residence.” This informal arrangement will conclude with Wales’ solo show, “Man Walks Into a Bar,” in October.
The opportunity to create art without the pressures of rent or looming deadlines has been transformative for Wales. The curators acknowledge that their self-funded show would not have been possible without the generosity of the space provided to them for free. They express hope that more owners would consider opening up unused space, like the Hotel Hollywood, to unlock the city’s creative potential.
The current owner, Brody Petersen, plans to add two floors of office space to the Hotel Hollywood building. However, for now, he’s content with running the pub and allowing artists to utilize the space. Petersen fondly remembers Doris Goddard and her desire for everyone to have a good time.
Tijm and McEvoy are excited to offer visitors a glimpse into “old Sydney” while also making the creative underground accessible to a wider audience. They’ve noticed people who wouldn’t typically attend art shows coming to their exhibitions and developing an interest in supporting the arts.
Walking through the rooms of Goddard’s apartment, which were once off-limits to the public, feels like a voyeuristic experience. Every wall and alcove is adorned with an impressive array of artwork. The shelves above Goddard’s old kitchen stove have been transformed into a cabinet of curiosities, showcasing sculptures. It took the curators seven months to prepare the space, initially cluttered to the point where the floor was invisible. However, by sorting through Goddard’s belongings, they were able to create space for the artworks, while still preserving certain items like the ancient “fatbuster” and an old brush that caused a moment of panic.
Among the recovered items were piles of Goddard’s phone books and Polaroids, saved from being discarded. Inspired by these materials, artist Lina MacGregor and her co-artist Robert Agostino created a unique artwork for the show. The exhibition promises to be a celebration of art, history, and the vibrant creative community of Sydney.
The Hooray for Hollywood artist exhibition is currently on display at the Hotel Hollywood.
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