INSPIRE Launch Review

Needless to say, the atmosphere pervading the entire affair was not of the typical quiet and understated variety that one might associate with a book launch. Upon entry we were swept into a little world of pink-and-blue tinted, Bollywood themed frivolity.

Anthea Paul, has been captaining the Girlosophy mother-ship since it’s first publication Girlosophy- A Soul Survival Kit was released in 1990, teamed up with fellow College of Fine Arts alumni Geraldine Mills to curate Inspire. The book, a collaboration, is a fusion of Paul’s own vibrant  style of photography, and the work of other young Australian photographers. Its images come as life-lessons, encouraging young women to empower themselves through art-making and conscious image-creation. Friday night’s entertainment was fittingly a joyous demonstration of female creativity at its finest.

A selection of Paul’s and collaborators work’s such as Geraldine Mills, and Maja Baska adorned the main gallery, depicting colourful scenes of inspiration gathered from across the globe. In a side room, Maja Baska was commissioned to taking photo-booth shots of guests smiling in front of a hyper-coloured cut-outs of the Taj Mahal, or cowering under the gaze of a gigantic cardboard Bengal tiger.

First up in the night’s entertainment were Indigenous sister duo Ngaratya (pictured).

“Emily and Alicia are both not yet 20 but they sure deliver a powerful sound, playing an intimate acoustic set featuring Alica’s punchy vocals and Emily on guitar.”

The girls are based in Sydney and are lyrically inspired by their Indigenous heritage: they have a captivating stage presence and more than held their own as the night’s opening act.

The volume went up as Sydney band Bridezilla broke their six-month hiatus to play a set. The five piece (four girls and one boy) have been performing their own brand of moody, seductive folk-ballad since they were in their teens, a sound that has taken them to play at New York’s All Tomorrow’s Parties Festival and which has earned them a following within Australia and abroad. Holiday Sidewinder’s vocals swing harmoniously from soft and breathy to grindingly harsh. Despite their recent pause in shows Bridezilla demonstrated that they are still one of Sydney’s most polished live acts.

All in all, Girlosophy served up a mighty fun soiree to mark its re-entrance into the literary stratosphere. I left Global Galleries late in the evening, trinket-filled gift-bag in my hot little hands and champagne dancing around my head. And, more importantly, a healthy dose of fresh inspiration tingling under my skin.

Photographer: Cai Griffin