The controversial exhibition is alive and well, and it’s coming to the Gold Coast.
Life imitates art, as the old adage goes. That proved true last year when Ladies Lounge, an installation by Kirsha Kaechele at Tassie‘s Mona, became the centre of a legal controversy. Ladies Lounge is a lavish space filled with exclusive artworks – but they’re only visible to visitors who aren’t men.
The installation recreates and subverts gendered power imbalances by prohibiting men’s access to it. But the message behind the work came full circle when a disgruntled male museum visitor sued for gender discrimination.
After a lengthy legal battle, the artwork eventually won the right to exclude men, and recently concluded its acclaimed run in Mona earlier this year. Excitingly, and likely to the chagrin of that one guy that started this whole legal mess, Ladies Lounge is back – and it’s going on tour.
Leaving MONA (and Tasmania) for the first time, the work is coming to the Gold Coast where it will exhibit at Home Of The Arts (HOTA) for 10 days as part of contemporary arts festival BLEACH*. It will be on display for free (for gals only!) between 31 Jul and 10 Aug.
The Ladies Lounge leaves Tasmania for the first time and will appear in the Gold Coast’s HOTA Gallery as part of BLEACH* Festival. (Image: Supplied)
Also on the festival’s programming is a display of Patricia Piccinini’s Skywhales, a conversation with acclaimed American artist Jeff Koons and other big names in the art. Beyond that, catch music, opera, drama, food and more. It’s an action-packed programme that’s putting the sunny region on the map as a contemporary arts hub.
No such thing as too much art? Plan a trip to our favourite Gold Coast art galleries while you’re there.
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
This new, family-friendly Hamilton Island resort embraces life in the slow lane.
White sand beaches, gentle waves and getting on ‘island time’ have always made Hamilton Island the first spot that comes to mind when thinking of Queensland’s Whitsundays. Always a place to recharge and relax, modern wellness travel here means so much more than a spa treatment or green juice. And a new kind of tropical island stay has now arrived on Hamilton Island.
Learn to slow down and rejuvinate. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)
The Sundays reimagines laid-back luxury, combining boutique, beachfront accommodation with an encouragement to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures so every day feels like Sunday.
Laid-back luxury
The Sundays is nestled into the picturesque gardens on the northern end of Catseye Beach. Despite a feeling of being away from it all, the resort is a conveniently short walk from Hamilton Island’s main resort centre and restaurants, so guests can have the best of both worlds.
This new boutique stay is all about savouring the now. From complimentary sunrise yoga to moonlight movies for kids and a daily sundae ritual by the beachside pool, it makes a compelling case for doing less, better.
Even the architecture is designed to harmonise with the surrounding tropical landscape, pairing soft curves with a grounded coastal style that shows off the panoramic Coral Sea views and adds to the hotel’s calm aesthetic.
Plus, with direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in under two and a half hours, as well as complimentary hotel transfers from the airport or marina, getting here is as easy as the vacation itself.
Enjoy fantastic views from your balcony or terrace. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)
Perfectly designed rooms with amazing views
Every small detail has been considered in the creation of the 59 guest rooms and suites, from in-room amenities by LEIF to walls adorned with custom artworks by First Nations andHungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg. There’s even a signature in-room scent by The Raconteur.
Designed by Hamilton Island’s own designer, Carrie Williams, the result is relaxed Australian style using natural textures and soft hues to lull guests into a mellow state. This soothing palette runs throughout the resort, from its sun lounges to the shaded cabanas.
Every room and suite has been built with a balcony or terrace, perfectly framing postcard-perfect views of the surrounding reef and lush greenery.
Each day has been planned with a relaxed structure, so guests can get involved in as much or as little as they wish.
Greet each day with morning yoga, pilates and island walks. Recharge with daily (and deliciously complimentary) sundaes by the pool. Wind down with moonlight movies twice a week and take advantage of family-focused features.
Guests have complimentary access to a range of water sports – from stand-up paddle boards to catamarans – so they can get their blood pumping before relaxing by the resort pool.
Or take a few extra steps to set up for a day on the sand without any crowds at the exclusive, guest-only beach. Settle in with a poolside aperitif for a front-row view of the stunning Catseye Bay.
Find picturesque Catseye Beach on your doorstep. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)
Delectable dining
What is rejuvenation if not a hearty choice of fresh, delectable dishes? That’s what guests will discover at The Sundays’s onsite restaurant, Catseye Pool Club .
Open all day for hotel guests and lunch and dinner for island diners, this relaxed yet elevated menu was created by acclaimed culinary duo, Josh and Julie Niland. It celebrates that community feeling of mealtimes while championing seasonal Australian produce.
“The vision behind [Catseye Pool Club] reflects so much of what I value – bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings,” explains Josh.
Enjoy classic Aussie meals with a twist at Catseye Pool Club. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)
Based on elevated versions of classic Aussie family dinners, expect refined simplicity. Think roasted Sun Farms Sommerlad chicken with sides like chicken fat roast potatoes, gravy and tomato and grilled bread salad, or barbecued line-caught Bowen coral trout with garlic saltbush and Warrigal greens.
A day spent by the pool can be complemented by a dedicated poolside menu, featuring wood-fired souvas. Don’t want to leave the room? Kick back and soak in the views with tasty treats delivered straight to your door, whether you’re after a full breakfast or late night snack.
Enjoy dinner and a view. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)
Exploring the island
While daily life at The Sundays is very much about the art of staying still, guests who seek more can explore the island with ease.
Take a day trip to the striking Whitehaven Beach, or see the iconic Heart Reef from above on a helicopter tour. Pop over to Hamilton Island’s championship golf course for a hit, or explore over 12 kilometres of the island’s stunning nature and wildlife. Later, slow the pace back down with a visit to Spa wumurdaylin .
