I've been lucky enough to go to Vali's studio in Melbourne (Australia). Unfortunately it was a year or so too late to meet her in person. Aparently she was well known by the locals and would talk to people she who met in the streets.
The studio is in this old building along one of the main streets in Melbourne near the train station. It still has an older lady sitting, operating the lift. She told me stories of how she used to chat (and occasionally fight) with Vali.
The studio is run by volounters. The day I had set aside to go there it was closed. I was devistated however my lovely boyfriend (back home) managed to get in contact with one of the volounters and arrange a special opening just for me. They are so enthusiastic about sharing Vali with the world! The lady who I chatted too was lovely and more than happy to tell me her memories of Vali and how she came to help run the studio.
The studio itself is PINK! And ornate with copies of Vali's drawings all over the walls (the originals are too valuable to keep there). Along with the drawings there are many of Vali's personal items, books, a bed, rugs, and other trinkets and ornaments. It is really hard to describe just how seeped in 'Vali' the room is. Very shrine like in many ways.
While there I was able to look through a stack of prints. These included old familar images and newer ones which Vali had been working on in the years before she died. I was lucky enough to buy one of the prints which now proudly adorns my wall.
You are able to view the videos and read the books if you have the time. Unfortunately I only had an hour to spend there otherwise I'd have been there all day (or week if I had the chance)
The studio has a website now and you can get the opening details on it... I HIGHLY recommend going to see it if you love Vali's work ... those who don't know Vali's work should go so they too can love her work!
The studio is in this old building along one of the main streets in Melbourne near the train station. It still has an older lady sitting, operating the lift. She told me stories of how she used to chat (and occasionally fight) with Vali.
The studio is run by volounters. The day I had set aside to go there it was closed. I was devistated however my lovely boyfriend (back home) managed to get in contact with one of the volounters and arrange a special opening just for me. They are so enthusiastic about sharing Vali with the world! The lady who I chatted too was lovely and more than happy to tell me her memories of Vali and how she came to help run the studio.
The studio itself is PINK! And ornate with copies of Vali's drawings all over the walls (the originals are too valuable to keep there). Along with the drawings there are many of Vali's personal items, books, a bed, rugs, and other trinkets and ornaments. It is really hard to describe just how seeped in 'Vali' the room is. Very shrine like in many ways.
While there I was able to look through a stack of prints. These included old familar images and newer ones which Vali had been working on in the years before she died. I was lucky enough to buy one of the prints which now proudly adorns my wall.
You are able to view the videos and read the books if you have the time. Unfortunately I only had an hour to spend there otherwise I'd have been there all day (or week if I had the chance)
The studio has a website now and you can get the opening details on it... I HIGHLY recommend going to see it if you love Vali's work ... those who don't know Vali's work should go so they too can love her work!
:]
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