Driven by the theme of “Renewal”, this edition – T Australia’s inaugural Culture issue – looks at the regeneration of art in Australia and beyond, as seen through the eyes of early career artists as well as established arts identities.
Our cover story reviews how, after the decimation of the past two years, the arts sector is cautiously welcoming back audiences. For the rising dance star Rhys Kosakowski, the hiatus set the stage for a celebration of unapologetic originality. Kosakowski is one of a kind and the true epitome of what T Australia is about; his positivity, curiosity and ability to pivot during challenging times shines through in the story and photographs (page 52), which was styled by Virginia van Heythuysen and shot by Levon Baird (“State of the Arts”).
The rest of the issue is an equally arresting, lush visual creation with deeply layered tales of inspiration, ingenuity, reinvention and the strength of the human spirit. The author Kathy Lette reveals the private side of her close friend the acclaimed artist Cressida Campbell (“Portrait of an Artist”). Lee Tulloch profiles four Australian women at the vanguard of ceramics (“A Woman’s Work”). And we track down that very 2022 cultural player, the celebrity book stylist (“Searching for the Notorious Book Stylist”).
Michael Snyder chronicles the restoration of exquisitely painted churches that are stirring debate about Mexico’s colonial past (“Faded Glory”), and Bri Lee cautions how this return to what we call normalcy feels perilously close to burnout (“An Artificial Spring”). Fred Siggins tries port and sherry’s locally-produced counterparts (“Strong Showing”) and Zoë Lescaze pleads for contemporary artists to confront the need to address the climate crisis (“World on Fire”).
There’s fashion, travel, food and homewares – all told with T Australia’s signature voice. We hope you enjoy this very special issue.
