Medieval to Metal: The Art & Evolution of the Guitar tours to Ballarat, Victoria this October. Exclusive to the Art Gallery of Ballarat, the exhibition features 40 iconic guitars on loan from the National Guitar Museum (USA) alongside an awe-inspiring assemblage of paintings, photographs, drawings, posters, and objects.
The far-reaching collection of classical to contemporary works on display track the history of the world’s most popular instrument from its medieval beginnings through to the guitar’s pivotal role in blues, country, and rock ‘n’ roll. Celebrate the history and stories behind the instruments that made the stars. Experience up close, rare guitars and artefacts in this epic exhibition narrating the history, evolution and design of the guitar, covering all music genres and all uses. Medieval to Metal encompasses the journey of the guitar through creativity, innovation, and cultural catalysts.
As part of the Medieval to Metal exhibition, the Art Gallery of Ballarat will host a series of classical concerts: Art Classics. A celebration of music’s Medieval origins; expect to see a dynamic display of classical performances, from an internationally acclaimed lutenist, to classically reimagined takes on Australian rock icons Cold Chisel.
The Art Talks programs brings a range of music-loving experts to Ballarat. Hear the stories of journalists who go behind the industry curtain to chart the success of rock ‘n’ roll stars, listen to intimate conversations that hit unexpected notes and enhance your understanding of the guitar’s endless dance through art history and popular culture. Art Late is a curated series of late-night encounters at the Art Gallery of Ballarat featuring a dynamic combination of mind-blowing music and thought-provoking art, plus food and drinks by local venues.
For Medieval to Metal, Rose City Band (USA) with Dayfever perform 19 October, with Melbourne’s post-punk full throttle band RVG playing 2 November with support from Pyrex. Rock darlings CIVIC hit the stage with The Hot Lemons, 30 November.
The Medieval to Metal events program includes:
Art Late: Rose City Band (USA) with Dayfever – 19 October
Rose City Band’s country psychedelic rock evokes the wide-open spaces of the American west and free spirits who call it home. The project of acclaimed guitarist and vocalist Ripley Johnson, Rose City Band has extended beyond the studio and lives in tandem as a live ensemble featuring some of the finest players in contemporary rock. Tickets: $60 includes Medieval to Metal exhibition entry and Art Late bites
PIN UP! Making posters with Ben Brown – 20 October Renowned illustrator and Mambo designer Ben Brown explores the history of poster design in this exclusive workshop with one of Australia’s most important designers, illustrators and creators. Tickets: $50 includes materials
Art Classics: Metamorphosis featuring Nicholas Pollock – 27 October
Internationally acclaimed lutenist and theorbist Nicholas Pollock delves into the kaleidoscopic world of the guitar’s ancestors. Metamorphosis explores the bridge between the final glorious blaze of harmony from the late Renaissance, into the dawning of the age of the eccentric and ornate Baroque, presenting the compositions of Italian masters of the plucked string – Kapsperger, Castaldi, Caccini, and Piccinini. Tickets: $60 includes Medieval to Metal exhibition entry.
Art Talks: Writers who rock: The art of writing (about) music – 2 November
Speakers: Zan Rowe with Michael Dwyer, Stuart Coupe and Jane Gazzo Australia’s best music writers, journalists and authors come together to discuss their favourite guitar riffs, legends, and how they’ve put pen to paper to write the greatest musical tales for fans around the world. Tickets: $40 includes Medieval to Metal exhibition entry.
Art Late: RVG with Pyrex – 2 November
Melbourne’s post-punk full throttle band RVG finally sets foot in Ballarat off the back of their energetic third album Brain Worms. Having toured the world across 2024, forming fans and friendships through their shiny, thrilling punch of an album that captures all the beloved RVG hallmarks. Tickets: $60 includes Medieval to Metal exhibition entry.
Art Talks: Henry Wagons in conversation with Adalita – 7 November
Two of Australia’s greatest musicians and storytellers, Henry Wagons and Adalita, come together in this special event to discuss their love of the guitar. Tickets: $40 includes Medieval to Metal exhibition entry
Art Classics: Boccherini to Cold Chisel – Eclective with Aleksandr Tsiboulski – 10 November
Classical guitarist Aleksandr Tsiboulski, first-prize winner in twelve international competitions and highly regarded internationally for his recitals and recordings, joins forces with juggernaut Melbourne-based ensemble Eclective, who have skyrocketed into the classical music scene with their extraordinary performances, adventurous collaborations and dynamic programs. Tickets: $60 includes Medieval to Metal exhibition entry
Art Talks: The guitar throughout art history – 16 November
Join Laurie Benson, Curator of International Art at the National Gallery of Victoria as he takes guitar-lovers on a journey through the history of art and the many references to the most popular instrument on the planet. From Renoir’s fascinations to Picasso’s depictions, how did this stringed instrument become the greatest icon in popular art and culture? Tickets: $30 includes Medieval to Metal exhibition entry.
Art Late: CIVIC with The Hot Lemons – 30 November
One of the most exhilarating bands to emerge in recent years, CIVIC have reimagined the reckless intensity of proto-punk for an era of endless uncertainty. Tickets: $60 includes Medieval to Metal exhibition entry
Art Classics: Symbiosis featuring Slava and Leonard Grigoryan – 8 December
Australia’s most renowned classical guitarists, Slava and Leonard Grigoryan, have developed a stellar reputation for enthralling audiences with the energy of their performances, the symbiosis of their telepathic musicianship, the breadth of their repertoire spanning centuries, continents and genres. These astounding artists curate and present a stunningly eclectic program traversing the rich terrain of the guitar repertoire from the 1700s to the 21st Century. Tickets: $60 includes Medieval to Metal exhibition entry.
Medieval to Metal: The Art & Evolution of the Guitar is exclusive to the Art Gallery of Ballarat. 12 October 2024 – 2 February 2025 Tickets on sale now: artgalleryofballarat.com.au