Live Review: Nicole Millar

Stumbling into the NGV late afternoon after a blisteringly hot few days, respite and immersion can be found in the latest international art show sweeping Melbourne. The life works of MC Escher has inspired and confounded artists and the public alike for decades, and it’s wonderful to finally see one of the 20^th century’s most influential artists life work in the flesh in Melbourne. The exhibition was made in collaboration with renowned Japanese-based art studio nendo, with the aim to synthesise, complement and expound on some of the mathematical, geometric and design ideas shaped by Escher in the 20^th century. 

The NGV is split into many different sections of entertainment tonight, from the food court atrium, pop-up bars in the expansive back room, side exhibitions, kids areas and more bars and DJs out the rear-end of the complex. The dress code is classy and inspired, and would definitely be second-date material if you were worrying about where to take your interest next weekend. 

Starting at 6pm, crowds are already swarming through the front doors, and the exhibition stays basically packed full the whole four hours. You're led through digitally rendered light tunnels, maze-like room after room of mind bending artworks, past expansive halls with grand design illusions and out the end of snaking pathways. It’s a meticulously curated and thoughtful way to present the premier artist's life works, with nendo’s participation fragmenting and distilling Escher’s tessellated lithographs and prints through a 21^st century designers eyes, to great effect. 

To the right side on the bottom floor is a collection of works by influential British artist Julian Opie, whose signature style runs in contrast to the calculated formalism of the main attraction. There’s also a delicate piano performance by Melbourne-based artists anon. In the gallery kitchen, inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach’s infinitely dense and repetitious compositions and the ways Escher drew inspiration from them. It’s a classy touch, and further proves the curatorial oversight involved in creating an immersive experience for the public. 

Starting at 6pm out the back in December’s resident DJs Albrecht La'Brooy and their set is largely percussive-driven and mood based like a swooning spring afternoon, fitting nicely with the residual heat of the last 48 hours radiating from the blackened concrete slabs people are lounging on. 

Coming through for a quick warm-up DJ set before supporting Bastille on their Australian tour, Nicole Millar is gracing the booth next, playing a largely bouncy-driven house set. She ploughs through steely remixes of Calvin Harris, Frank Ocean, a nasty pulsing switch up of The Pink Panther Theme and plenty of slamming bass and drum-heavy tech house. Her track selection is adventurous and grounded in groove, the sound engineer is working wonders next to the bluestone walls, but the crowd do still seem more interested in their cocktails and conversation than cavorting. Here’s thinking it might not be late enough and not enough drinks had been sunk to erase the artworks. It is still a chic and convivial way to see out the rest of the night though, spotted around Bombay Sapphire bars and assortments of delectables supplied through the NGV kitchen. 

With the exhibition on until the middle of April and a revolving door of different performances to accompany, if there’s any way you could spend your Friday night seeing culture in Melbourne, this is surely it.