Artist Tanja Stark discovers a Luba Caryatid Stool amidst hard rubbish in Brisbane, reflecting on its cultural significance and connections to femininity, power, and artistry. The piece, bearing scars, evokes themes of transformation and rebirth, symbolising resilience and honour, suburban gothic and the sublime divine.
Author Archives: Tanja Stark
Corner Prophets
The poem “Corner Prophets” reflects the author’s journey of self-discovery while grappling with societal norms and personal truths. Written in Cairns 25 years ago, it captures a pivotal moment in the life of a young artist and new mother. Influenced by notable thinkers and cultural works, the poem conveys a sense of clarity found on the fringes of society. The author’s departure from job in the music industry for international aid highlights the allure of the unconventional, as they continue to explore themes of suburban gothic and sublime experiences.
Electric Blackout : a poem on grief and grace
The poem “Electric Blackout” by Tanja Stark explores themes of solitude, loss, and unexpected resilience during moments of darkness. As physical lights fade, the speaker reflects on memories and emotions while grappling with despair. Despite feeling powerless, they find solace in the mysterious presence of another, illuminating the experience of connection.
Projective Identification ( part two): a poem [a doctor meets an artist at a party]
A poem about a transformative friendship between an artist and a doctor, that began at a party explores the mesmerising, enchanting power of projection, and projective identification.
Projective Identification ( part one) : a poem about friendship between an artist and a doctor
Tanja Stark reflects on a friendship born at a party in Cairns, between a psychiatrist and an artist. The artist explore themes of projection and projective identification, suggesting that friendship shapes a shared mythos. The poem delves into the interplay of creativity and chaos, signaling deeper psychological insights to unfold in future writings.
The Breath of the Sea: A Poetic Journey of Rebirth
The poem by Tanja Stark explores themes of rebirth, nourishment, and introspection through the narrative of a mystical figure in a kitchen. It intertwines spiritual and psychological interpretations, suggesting a journey through sorrow and renewal. The imagery evokes connections among personal struggles, community support, and the complex dynamics of relationships.
Sanguino Ergo Sum
a poem about flesh and blood in the world of AI I bleed like a woman in childbirthI throb like a soldier’s pulsemy womb and His side penetratedby spirit or spearI pour forth.Embodied, I swim holy watersswirling with blood and winewhose currents short-circuit machine monstersand spiral eddies drown gnostic gods Behind a screen en-vatted mindsContinueContinue reading “Sanguino Ergo Sum”
Sanguino, Ergo Sum : Tanja Stark
Im working on an Easter Poem. I hope to finish it in the next few days. This is how it It begins : I bleed like a woman in childbirth I throb like a soldier’s pulseMy womb and His side, penetrated by spirit or spear I pour forthEmbodied, I swim holy waters swirling with blood and withContinueContinue reading “Sanguino, Ergo Sum : Tanja Stark”
The Restless Souls are Least Equipped
In Stark’s poignant verse, passion’s destructive force is laid bare. The yearning for old comforts, the agonizing pursuit of lost loves, and the overwhelming grip of desire converge in a bittersweet reflection on the human heart’s tumultuous nature.
The First Supper : an advent poem
There was bread
and there was wine,
but there was no betrayal
at the first supper.
The body
that would be torn,
pierced, blood and water
gushing forth
belonged to the mother
before the son.
The Archibald Prize Finalists 2022
The 52 finalists of Australia’s almost always controversial annual Archibald Prize for portraiture have been announced. I’ve posted a few that intrigue me below – you can see who else made the cut on the Gallery of New South Wales website HERE. If you get the chance, you should most definitely check out the ArchiContinueContinue reading “The Archibald Prize Finalists 2022”
Artist Talk : Suburban Gothic and the Sublime Divine
ART EXHIBITION AND FLOOR TALK: Tanja Stark will present an exhibition and interactive conversation delving into the archetypal symbolism in her art practice, exploring the interplay between destructive and creative forces in the psyche.
Exhibition – Artisan Jewellery
Once again I’m excited to be joining John Carozza’s Exhibition ‘Deepstaria’ as a guest artist at Gallery 61, Musk Avenue Kelvin Grove in 2021.John’s evocative paintings conjure the mysterious ocean depths that contain the breathtakingly magical Deepstaria jellyfish, from where the title of his exhibition is drawn. This year in a departure from sculpture, I willContinueContinue reading “Exhibition – Artisan Jewellery”
Exhibitions : Artists : Galleries : Writers
An eclectic list of galleries, patrons and collaborators who I’ve exhibited with or have inspired me. John Carozza : Australian painterI want people to ask themselves, “what does it feel like?” rather than “what does it mean?”Cairns Regional Art GalleryThe Cairns Art Gallery shows art of national and international significance and enables cross cultural dialogues andContinueContinue reading “Exhibitions : Artists : Galleries : Writers”
Academic Reviews
I have been teaching at Janáček Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Czech Republic, (including the Faculty of Fine Art), for the past two decades. On discovering artist Tanja Stark’s work we subsequently included this as part of the recommended reading list for JAMU/Scenography students. Her work provides a fascinating and creative way for students toContinueContinue reading “Academic Reviews”
Creativity and Catharsis: David Bowie & Carl Jung : The 2015 Melbourne Lectures
. In 2015, I was invited to give two keynote lectures in Melbourne on my ideas around on the creative synthesis between the work of David Bowie and the ideas of Carl Jung.I had published three book chapters that year with Routledge Press, Bloomsbury Press and the Melbourne Jung Society, drawing from ideas IContinueContinue reading “Creativity and Catharsis: David Bowie & Carl Jung : The 2015 Melbourne Lectures”
Dostoyevsky and the Epileptic Prince
Prince, the artist and musician had the Sacred Disease as a child. So too did Dostoyevsky and his character the Prince in his classic novel The Idiot. When the young (purple) Prince was Seven he told his mother that he had been visited by an Angel and he had been cured of his seizures. “I’veContinueContinue reading “Dostoyevsky and the Epileptic Prince”
“Eagles in my Daydreams, Diamonds in my Eyes”: Bowie, Blackstar & the Bataclan
At the time of the Bataclan slaying the Blackstar symbol, seen on Bowie’s ‘holy’ book was everywhere. Most curiously, it showed up on the hand of the Josh Homme, playing drums years earlier in the film clip for Speaking in Tongues. That song came to lead singer Jessie Hughes in a dream, he claimed. Fully formed. Blackstar was yet to be released. The Blind Seer wanted Eagles in his Daydreams, Diamonds in his eyes. He got his wish.
The Wireless Set : An old Scottish Hymn & the Antennae Theory of Consciousness
In 1928, James McCorkindale composed the hymn ‘The Wireless Set’, likening spiritual connection to a radio’s antenna. The hymn suggests that prayer serves as a divine wireless set, enabling communication with higher realms. It explores consciousness, creative sensitivity, and the idea that we tune into different spiritual frequencies.
Curious Synchronicity. Lightning Strikes the Vatican and Mecca.
In my art, I work a lot with ideas around copper and electricity, current, spirituality and seizures, fire and charge. I always found this curious timing.