I met Mike Parr to go to see his retrospective show at the 'Kunsthalle', in Vienna. The show is very impressive and features prints, video and sculpture. Mike explained during the 2 hours I was with him that the show represents his art practice over some 30 years. At the Kunsthalle there are quiet a number of other museums, one being the Leopoldo, which has a great show of Austrian artist's, Egon Schiele, from the early part of last century. Another show in Vie...

Back in Europe,staying at the Ritz in Madrid. I am here to see the art exhibition which includes one of our best collected artists Juan Davila.We lent the painting to the famous museum Reina Sofia,so they were so grateful they arranged a 2 hour guided tour with one of the curators Andre Mesquita from Brazil. The exhibition is titled 'Losing the Human Form'.Andre explains the there are some 600 exhibits,but only 2 paintings.The rest are photos,prints,drawings,vi...

Manaus is the the capital of the Amazon region,some 4000kls North West of Rio or 5hours by plane.It has a population of 1800000 people,a real rural city on the bank of the Amazon. We are staying the night before flying a further 350 kls West to our fishing camp.At the 'Tropical Hotel' there is a small zoo and a great display of Amazonian Indian headgear. Next day I meet my fishing group headed by Garry Barmby.Others are Randel(Rad)Bielenberg,Craig Gilvary,Ben...

I am staying at the very good Soffitel Hotel on Copacabana Beach.It's an amazing city of 8 million people spread out between high tropical forest landscaped mountains.The majority of buildings are high rise. The beaches are excellent,so I swim then take a walk around a small section of the city.For dinner I am recommended a typical Brazilian steak restraunt 'Porcao'.I am impressed,slow cooked rotisory steak from all parts of the bull.Waiters slice off small amou...

Saturday 20th I flew into Austin,Texas to visit our great friends Brad and Amanda Nelsen with whom we share an American Contempory art collection which is displayed in Brad's office and home.There kids Carson,Austin and Haley are all now taking a strong interest in the art,Austin is involved in a not for profit exhibit space which we visit after dinner.Lots of kids having intellectual fun. Sunday.Brad and I play golf at Silver Oaks a really interesting club with...