Issue 5, Monday 5 March 2001

Profile - Malcom Bywaters, gallery manager

While most might get frustrated if an idea takes two or three years to come to fruition, it’s often part of the pleasure of the job for Malcom.

As founding gallery manager at the Caulfield campus, Malcom’s own expertise as an artist and experience in a freelance capacity has enabled the vision for the gallery – quality, educational exhibitions – to be achieved.

“For most artists their work is personal,” he explained. “Whatever medium it might be, it often says something about the creator.”

In this sense, says Malcom, as a curator he must be sensitive to the art work and the artists, and at times this has meant is has taken two or three years for an exhibition to end up on the gallery walls.

While to the untrained eye the gallery may just look like walls and a floor, Malcom is highly aware of the “intimacy of the gallery space”. “It is important to know what will work in a space and be able to work with the artist to make it happen.”

It’s not uncommon to find Malcom up a ladder with a drill in his hand. All aspects of the role are extremely hands on from liaising with the artist to coordinating opening night and unloading containers full of precious art.

The current exhibition, The Beauty of Japan Photographed, which was opened by the Japanese Consul General Mr Kage-Fumi Ueno last Thursday, has 150 selected photographs of varying sizes, all of which were hung and identified on an individual basis. 

On completion of the exhibition, the holes that were drilled to support each piece will need patching. 

Malcom is quick to point out though that he does not do it all by himself. As well as gallery manager, Malcom teaches a professional practice subject in the Faculty of Art & Design.

“It is tough to be a professional artist. You need to be more than just talented. The cliché of the struggling artist is still true.” To this end, students who undertake Malcom's professional practice subject get plenty of experience in a range of areas including installations, the business side of the art world and how to survive as an artist.

“This year, some students will also go into secondary schools to provide educational programs to students.”

Malcom is also responsible for coordinating the artist-in-residence program. This year eight artists will spend up to two months each at the campus undertaking some teaching but primarily working as artists.

The Beauty of Japan Photographed exhibition will be showing at the Gallery until 15 March. 
 

Is there anyone else you would like to know more about?  If you think there is someone of particular interest to the campus community, please contact Julie Ryan on extn 44015 to arrange a profile.

 
It is not unusual for Malcom to be up a ladder. Here he is hanging photographs prior to the opening of the latest exhibition.

Yellow permit parking 

To demonstrate that staff are visiting they must display a Yellow Permit on their dash board, but NOT one authorised from the Caulfield campus. This means yellow permits originating from Caulfield campus cannot be used at the campus. They are to be used for parking at other campuses.

We have requested that Security at Clayton campus, who print our annual permits, incorporate text on the permit clearly stating the parking requirements at the Caulfield campus.  This will be on the permits from next year.

In the meantime signage will be installed at the entrance of the Yellow Permit Car Park informing those parking there that they must display a valid yellow permit that has NOT been issued from Caulfield. 

Facilities & Services would also appreciate assistance in advising visiting staff of these requirements.

Unfortunately due to the restricted parking in the area these rules, which have been a Caulfield parking regulation for some time  need to abide by.  

Further enquiries may be directed to the Services Officer Mr Chris Riskas on extn 32212.

Revamped foyer

Security on campus

A further security development will include a $60,000 overhaul to the current surveillance system at the campus. While the old system requires the manual change over of security tapes, the new system will be fully automatic and provide electronic footage of areas. This upgrade is due to be completed by mid March.

While these new developments provide improved security, it is worth noting that valuables should never be left in cars or offices where they can be seen. Cars parked in and around the campus should be locked securely as should offices if they are left unattended especially for extended periods of time.

The new cameras will provide improved security in the VATC car park.

Diary dates