GA029 - Australian and International Art

24
A Glimpse of Bohemian Melbourne
In the current auction we have a series of
compelling archival materials and artworks
that intertwine with the history of Heide; the
iconic and influential home of John & Sunday
Reed. Through their philanthropy mentorship,
they created a community of like-minded
individuals who also embodied the bohemian
lifestyle. This artist’s refuge nurtured and
encouraged Melbourne’s modern art and
literature movements to push boundaries and
fight against mediocrity. The growth of this
community brought in a number of interesting
artists and figures that are still prominent
today, the connection that brings these
people together is evident through a series
of letters amongst poems, photographs and
ephemera which are included in lots, 34, 35
and 31 from the estate of poet and vagabond
Shelton Lea (1946-2005). This collection of
correspondence spans the poet’s entire life,
including inscribed books, postcards and
letters from notable Australian artist Mirka
Mora, literary man Barrett Reid and Indigenous
bantamweight boxer Lionel Rose (Lot 35).
From her arrival to Melbourne in 1951 Mirka
Mora’s rebellious spirit and liberal attitudes
to life and love made her a beacon for other
bohemian types. Mirka and her husband
Georges Mora soon integrated themselves
with the Heide gang of spirited individuals.
Bird Dreaming, 1967 (Lot 32) captures the
influences and lyricism of the time. The painting
exemplifies hallmark characteristics of Mirka
Mora’s beloved imagery of her whimsical
anthropomorphic creatures.
Another medium that emerged from this time
was Mirka’s iconic soft sculpture dolls which
epitomised her nostalgia for childhood. Mirka
possessed an unwavering childlike innocence
and playful energy that was simply infectious
to be around. In a 1999 interview, she said 'I
love being a child. I still haven’t grown up.' 1 Boy
(Lot 37) and Mermaid (Lot 33) are two excellent
examples of her much-loved dolls. After two
exhibitions of the dolls in the early 70s Mirka
decided to predominantly keep the dolls in her
studio as part companion, muse and comfort.
They continue to be received with great
enthusiasm and heart amongst collectors and
museums today.
Shelton Lea returned to Melbourne in 1966
after a quick exit from NSW due to one too
many run-ins with the local law enforcement.
He crashed at friend, and sculptor Joel
Elenberg’s place in Gore Street, Fitzroy. 2
Elenberg quickly introduced him to the inner
circle of Heide as a brilliant young poet. The
Reeds and Barrett Reid offered an intellectual
support network as Shelton had never
experienced. Barrett Reid, who was living
at Heide at the time, took a keen interest in
Shelton’s work, becoming a mentor as well as
a lifelong friend. The letters in Lot 34 to Shelton
from Barrett Reid illustrate the deep connection
they both had as intellectuals and friends.
Barrett confessed later in life the deep love he
had for his friend and protégé. 3
Lot 36 is a drawing by Mirka Mora titled The
Flying Hobyahs 1966 accompanied by two
intimate and playful letters from Mirka to
Shelton. She writes of dreaming and sleep
in her typically mischievous fashion and
expressive handwriting. Both Mirka and Shelton
were creative souls who had to carve their own
path in life and art. They are people who have
been present and active in their community
and hence championed for their creative and
intellectual generosity and lust for life. This
series of wonderfully intimate letters and
writings permits us a unique glimpse into the
lives of some beloved and prominent figures in
Melbourne’s creative landscape.
Sarah Garrecht
1. David Langham, 'Mirka Mora’s 50 years of art',
The Australian Jewish News, Melbourne,
1 Oct. 1999, p. 35
2. Taylor Coventry & Robert Price, Documentary, The
extraordinary life of Shelton Lea, 2009, 29:50 mins
3. Phyllis Papps, 'Barrett Reid: a charismatic
chameleon', The Latrobe Journal, No 87
May 2011, p. 136