"The First Show" @ PinUp Architecture and Design Project Space
Presented by Something Together

10 March - 30th April 2011

The First Show is the inaugural exhibition at PinUp a new independent architecture and design project space in Melbourne's inner-city borough of Collingwood. An exhibition presenting the Work of twenty of Melbourne's most overtly experimental architects and designers The First Show opened with near to 400 people in attendance. With participating architects and designers presenting unique models, one-off constructions and visuals the curatorial brief encouraged the twenty studios to reveal the 'moment' when they arrived as a creative individual/practice. For many, this meant communicating the influences and concerns underpinning their design thinking and design process. In addition, each design practice was issued with a simple pack of cardboard boxes. Working with this modest, singular material, the box/es formed 'the exhibition space' for each practice. In Melbourne where design creatives are renown for embedding ideas and arguments in all things including buildings, furniture, fashion and cardboard boxes, The First Show @ PinUp resulted in a cultural investigation of design - how it enables, enriches and engages with our daily lives.

PinUp is indicative of the artist-run-initiatives (ARI) and project spaces appearing in Melbourne since the 1970's. With the intention of circumventing the structures of public and private galleries, artists establish venues to exhibit and inspire debate around their work. This activity has been vital in building artist communities and bringing visibility to creative/cultural practice that would otherwise remain hidden from peers, institutions and the broader community. Significantly, numerous of Australia's most notable contemporary artists have received their 'start' in an ARI. Venice Biennale representatives for Australian Art Patricia Piccininni and Ricky Swallow both commenced their careers in association with the ARI's Basement and Platform - the later celebrating its 20th year anniversary this year. And, while Melbourne remains a strong ARI destination few independent designer-run-initiatives exist.

Founded by Something Together - the studio name for creative duo Fleur Watson and Martyn Hook, PinUp is is sited in a raw warehouse space and sits alongside other creative enterprises including photographers, illustrators, website designers and a bespoke motor cycle company (my personal favorite).
Collectively the enterprises form The Compound Interest: Centre for Applied Arts.

Having made a remarkable contribution to the design sector already through their combined curatorial, writing, lecturing and designing activities Fleur Watson and Martyn Hook have plans to inspire and celebrate local design in context of international dialogues. Hosting architecture and design projects, activities and events in an intelligent, accessible and inspirational environment, PinUp aspires to be more than a gallery. Taking its name from the studio/academic practice where designers traditionally ‘pin up’ evidence of their design process to reveal ideas and invite debate, PinUp aims to foster a greater awareness and understanding of design amidst cultural, commercial and related industry sectors.

Taking part in The First Show I was ecstatic to see Fleur and Martyn's vision for PinUp arrive in the company of so many well-wishers. Hats off to Something Together for taking the designer-run-initiative to a community who obviously want/need a destination to share and facilitate exchange.

Watch this space for continued coverage of events and presentations at PinUp.

"The First Show" Exhibitors

John Wardle Architects
PHOOEY Architects
Elenberg Fraser
March Studio
Herbert Mason
Muir Mendes
Kokkugia
Oculus
S!X
Buro North
Leah Heiss
Peter Atkins
Dana Harris
Simone LeAmon
Harrison White
Chase and Galley
Anthea van Kopplen
Dhiren Bhagwandas
Universal Design Studio
Phoebe Porter and Blanche Tilden

www.pinupprojectspace.com

PinUP @ Something Together
The Compound Interest: Centre for Applied Arts
15-25 Keele Street, Collingwood