Medieval to Metal

IN an Australian exclusive, more-than forty rare guitars have made their way to the Art Gallery of Ballarat all the way from New York.

This weekend, the highly anticipated Medieval to Metal: The Art & Evolution of the Guitar opens to anyone who’s ready to rock.

The iconic guitars, on loan from the National Guitar Museum (USA) form key component of the exhibition alongside an inspiring assemblage of photographs, paintings, drawings, illustrative designs, and objects.

Now is your chance to become immersed in the history and stories behind the instruments that made the stars – from its medieval beginnings through to the guitar’s pivotal role in blues, country, and rock ‘n’ roll. Don’t miss the nostalgic photography collection of iconic images taken by renowned rock photographer Neil Zlozower alongside photographic works by Australian music documenter Tony Mott.

“Medieval to Metal celebrates the guitar in every way,” said Art Gallery of Ballarat director Louise Tegart.

“Through our nostalgic obsessions with bands, musicians and performing artists to our love of creating and sharing music through interesting sounds and rockin’ riffs, we are proud to present this exhibition.”

“The Art Gallery of Ballarat is the only venue this exhibition will be visiting in Australia, and we are proud to call Ballarat the home for these incredible works for almost five months over spring and summer,” said National Guitar Museum (USA) executive director HP Newquist.

There’s something for every taste, including an eclectic program of events. The highly anticipated classical concert series pays homage to the guitar’s earliest influences. This series will be a celebration of music’s medieval origins; expect to see a dynamic display of classical performances.

Classical guitarist Aleksandr Tsiboulski, first-prize winner in twelve international competitions and highly regarded internationally for his recitals and recordings, joins forces with juggernaut Melbourne-based ensemble Eclective who have skyrocketed into the classical music scene with their extraordinary performances, adventurous collaborations and dynamic programs.

For those who’s rather talk about music, there’s a chance to see music-loving experts as they sit down for some lyrical Art Talks. In the session Writers who Rock: the art of writing (about) music, find out how journalists get behind the industry curtain to chart the success of rock ‘n’ roll stars. There’s also a selection of In Conversation talks that will enhance your understanding of the guitar’s endless dance through art history and popular culture.

Medieval to Metal: The Art & Evolution of the Guitar is exclusive to the Art Gallery of Ballarat. 12 October 2024 – 2 February 2025. Tickets to the exhibition and public program events are on sale now artgalleryofballarat.com.au.

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