Frida Las Vegas Publishes 'Australianarama: A Campendium of Kitsch'
Frida Las Vegas has unveiled her latest publication, Australianarama: A Campendium of Kitsch, through Pink Shorts Press. This work delves into the themes of Australiana and kitsch, drawing from a ten-year collection of images captured outside motels and milk bars. Las Vegas called for personal photographs from the 1970s to the 1990s, resulting in family albums showcasing backyard gatherings and visits to theme parks. Her fascination with Australiana began in the 1990s at her Yiayia's residence. The book was motivated by a snide comment regarding Australian fashion. Research uncovered that chicken salt was created in the 1970s by Peter Brinkworth in South Australia. The book is now available in stores, with a launch event scheduled for October 16th at Readings Carlton in Melbourne.
Key facts
- Frida Las Vegas released Australianarama: A Campendium of Kitsch through Pink Shorts Press
- The book draws on a decade of the artist's prints and photographs of milk bars and motels, many now gone
- An open call gathered personal photos from the 1970s to the 1990s, including backyard parties and theme park visits
- Las Vegas's Australiana fascination grew from 1990s TV watching at her Yiayia's house as a Greek-Australian child
- An English designer's comment that "What happens on the island stays on the island" prompted the book
- The "Future Nostalgia" chapter asks what today's creations future generations will find embarrassing then irresistible
- Chicken salt was created in the 1970s by Peter Brinkworth of Gawler, South Australia, as a roast chicken rub
- A launch is set for Readings Carlton in Melbourne on Friday October 16th at 6pm, with two copies being given away
Entities
Artists
- Frida Las Vegas
- Peter Brinkworth
Institutions
- Pink Shorts Press
- Readings Carlton
- frankie
Locations
- Melbourne
- Australia
- South Australia
- Gawler
- Adelaide