No, it constitutes dinner. Yes, and a used tissue is prizewinning art. Fran Voss reports. In Launceston they arouse the ire of conservatives, but in Muslim-dominated Istanbul and in Italy, the womb of the art world, Craig Cooper's nude portraits inspired love. The Biennale is the worlds most exclusive exhibition of contempary art entirely selected, judged and financed by artists themselves.
Entry is by invitation only.
Mr Cooper's five works, among 1500 entered by 520 artists from 34 countries, were selected from a total of 21 he took overseas and exhibited in Istanbul before the Biennale. Eight pieces will remain on display at 'Gallery Two' Launceston until March 31st 2000. Using the female form as his major theme, Craig superimposes photographic images of models on photographs of sculptures or drawings then mounts the image on canvas using computer technology. His object is sesnuality, and he concedes it's a fine line between that and sexuality. But I have to walk it, because there is art in sensuality.