From Hobart's convict legacy, its spectacular natural setting, heritage architecture and climate, to crime rates, economic hardship and new developments, not to mention the game-changer that is MONA, Timms brings a wealth of fresh insights, exploring the city with a mixture of affection, admiration, frustration and sadness.
Peter Timms asks why is contemporary art so in thrall to spruikers and promoters, and why do their extravagant claims so rarely match the reality? Why does the market have such power, and how does it dictate the art we are allowed to see? Why are art schools, museums and the media apparently so eager to fall in line with commercial expectations?
Silliness challenges conventional thinking and highlights the absurdities in society. It serves as a playful rebellion against the seriousness of life, showcasing the joy and mischief found in embracing the nonsensical. In a landscape filled with ignorance and harsh politics, this exploration of silliness reveals its power to provoke thought and inspire laughter, making a bold statement against societal norms.
The narrative chronicles Swindon's transformation into a railway town, beginning with the establishment of the Great Western Railway in 1841 and culminating in the closure of the railway works in 1986. It explores the profound impact of the railway industry on the town's development, economy, and community over more than a century, highlighting key events and changes that shaped the local identity and heritage.
This fascinating selection of photographs traces some of the many ways in which the Swindon Works have changed and developed since the 1940s.