Exploring Ritual Through Art & Design – Modern Rituals by Modern Times

Doing what they do best, Modern Times in Melbourne has collaborated with various contemporary artists to create 30 paintings and various products exclusively designed for Modern Times.

With a strong understanding of both vintage European design and contemporary Australian art, co-directors Amy and Joel Malin initially established Modern Times as a series of pop-up shops almost a decade ago. As interest peaked throughout the country, Modern Times set up a permanent shop in the Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy to showcase restored furniture next to some of Australia’s most renowned contemporary artists and makers.

The upcoming ‘Modern Rituals: The Art of Living’ exhibition is a collaboration between a select number of local artists and Modern Times. The result is an exclusive limited-edition range of designed products that have been inspired by the art of living. The guiding statement behind the collection was an exploration of how we transcend everyday existence by the rituals we practice and the meanings they hold. “Rituals inspire and motivate us; they bond us and help us form a community. As we head into a time of year abundant with beautiful rituals, [the exhibition] invites you to share in our celebration,” Amy remarks.

Some of the designs to look forward to in the exhibition includes handmade menorahs in three colours by Kerryn Levy, mirrors with an exquisite mother-of-pearl lustre on ceramic frames by Connie Augoustinos, and interlocking sculptures from Hearth Collective. Additionally, there are also one-of-a-kind hand-blown whiskey classes from Amanda Dziedzic and bud vases from Oh Hey Grace – and much more.

Apart from Modern Rituals, Modern Times is also showcasing 30 original paintings in the ‘Ritual Practice’ exhibition. The concept of Ritual Practice derives from the fascination of the unique and personal processes of an artist and their rituals. For this reason, Modern Times invited artists to depict their own rituals. All artists who participated were prompted with the following question: “Do small daily rituals and habits build themselves into the work you as an artist produce, or do they merely allow you to distinguish the necessary space between daily life and your creative outlet?”

Whether looking for an original painting or a sculptural and geometrical addition, Modern Rituals: The Art of Living is the right place, putting on display an extensive multidisciplinary exhibition that recognises art, interior, landscape, architecture and fashion.

The upcoming ‘Modern Rituals: The Art of Living’ exhibition is a collaboration between a select number of local artists and Modern Times.

‘Ritual Practice’ will be held on the 5 of December to 19 December, 2020.