A Day With David Bowie Exhibition to Debut in Australia at Joondalup Festival
An exclusive photographic exhibition titled A Day With David will make its Australian premiere in Perth this March, serving as the centerpiece of the 2026 Joondalup Festival. The exhibition showcases the work of photographer Christine de Grancy, who documented David Bowie's visit to the Maria Gugging Psychiatric Clinic near Vienna on September 8, 1994. This clinic is renowned for its community of outsider artists, often referred to as art brut, who live with mental illness.
De Grancy's collection includes 28 large black-and-white photographs that capture intimate moments of Bowie engaging with the artists. Images show him crouching to examine painted works by artist August Walla, listening to stories, sketching, and sharing coffee. The exhibition will also feature video footage and a full-scale recreation of Walla's room, offering a comprehensive look into this unique day.
The free exhibition will be held at the Joondalup Contemporary Art Gallery from March 7 to 22. Visitors can explore this rare glimpse into Bowie's artistic interactions, with details available on the festival's official website.
New Gallery Space Opens in Mt Hawthorn
In other arts news, Abbey Telfer has launched the Oxford Street Gallery in Mt Hawthorn to address a gap in support for emerging artists in Perth. Teaming up with her mother Lynette, Telfer aims to provide a permanent gallery setting for local talents such as Annabelle Brockman, Rina Freiberg, Julia Freiseisen, and John Pearson.
The gallery's inaugural exhibition, Debut, will run from February 27 to March 18, featuring an opening night event that requires registration via Eventbrite. This new venue promises to enhance Perth's vibrant arts scene by offering a dedicated space for up-and-coming creators.
Australian-Made Scent Heartfire Launched for Intimate Moments
Australian brand Gentle Habits has introduced its latest scent, Heartfire, designed to foster stillness and intimacy in daily life. Founder Sophie Marshall emphasizes that meaningful connections can be found in simple acts, such as cooking together or putting away distractions.
The scent features notes of crisp lemon, tobacco, and cedarwood, available in incense for $45 and perfume oil for $50. It can be purchased online, offering a grounding addition to personal routines.
West Kitchen & Bar Welcomes New Executive Chef
Crawley's West Kitchen & Bar is embarking on a new culinary journey with the appointment of executive chef Zhaosik Ooi. Ooi brings experience from Singapore's Michelin-starred Restaurant Andre and Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, promising a produce-driven menu that will elevate the riverside dining experience.
Patrons can look forward to innovative dishes that highlight local ingredients, with updates shared on the restaurant's social media channels.
MoveActive Releases Whimsical Pilates Socks Collection
Australian lifestyle brand MoveActive has launched the Meadow collection, a line of pilates socks featuring whimsical designs with heart details, frills, and florals. This collection aims to inject joy and personality into workout attire, encouraging playful wardrobe choices for fitness enthusiasts.
The socks are available for purchase online, offering a refreshing take on activewear that combines style with functionality.
OMG! Festival Celebrates Light and Heritage in Kwinana
The OMG! Festival in Kwinana will run from February 26 to March 1 at the Calista Oval Precinct, focusing on themes of light, heritage, diversity, and storytelling. A highlight of the four-day event is The Falcon, a 4-meter-high bird puppet with a 10-meter wingspan created by A Blanck Canvas.
Festivalgoers can enjoy light installations, interactive artworks, live music, food vendors, and family entertainment, with efforts to incorporate Noongar language throughout the celebrations. This community-driven event aims to bring people together through cultural expression and shared experiences.
