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LIBRARY UP LATE x RENNIE ELLIS
Melbourne Out Loud
@ State Library of Victoria,
Melbourne
7th June, 2024
(Live Review)

Review by Stephanie Tang

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Photo – Remi Chauvin

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“Library Up Late X Rennie Ellis: Melbourne Out Loud” by RISING at the State Library of Victoria, was a one-of-a-kind experience that transcended typical art events. An event that was a house party, nightclub and art soiree all in one.

Entering the library after hours felt like gaining exclusive access to a secret club. Dance music with a strong bass courtesy of DJ JNETT, carried out into the foyer, and neon-lit pillars marked the entrance into the Information centre, transforming the space into a vibrant social hub.

Groups lounged around tables in the quad, sipping drinks and engaging in lively conversations. A DJ booth was on one side of the room and a bar on the other. Oh boy, it looked like they were preparing for a hefty dancefloor to open later. For now, swanning around with a wine in hand, it felt like you were a kid in a candy store unsure of what to see and do first.

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Photo – Remi Chauvin

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Photo – Remi Chauvin

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Following some splendidly dressed individuals, we headed up to the La Trobe Reading room. DJ MzRizk was setting the tone with groovy dance beats in the dimly lit space. It was surreal to see people dancing and drinking around the usually silent and studious space. The glowing green lamps at each study pew were like glow worms, casting a magical filter enveloping you in EDM sound and light.

Also, open tonight is the North Rotunda, resplendent with crimson walls and adorned with a mix of modern and historical artworks, serving as the gateway to the “Melbourne Out Loud” exhibition. The energy of AC/DC filled the air as visitors entered a realm dedicated to Rennie Ellis. The exhibition beautifully captured Melbourne’s essence through Ellis’s lens, showcasing neighbourhoods like Fitzroy, Collingwood, Windsor, Prahran, and St Kilda. His photographs from the 70s and 80s depicted the extraordinary emotions of ordinary daily events, from concerts and protests to working people and street art, highlighting timeless issues that still resonate today.

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Photo – Remi Chauvin

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Photo – Remi Chauvin

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Flashing on screens you see images of drag queens, kids on bikes, civil right protestors, and letters from Brummels Gallery, the first Australian photography gallery started by Ellis. The event space was packed, everyone delighted and enchanted by what they saw. The photos showed a time once was, but also so like today.

Returning to the Reading Room, attendees were greeted by a mesmerizing display of tessellated light projections dancing across the domed ceiling. The impeccable acoustics enhanced Rara Zulu’s dark electronica performance, her sound blending jazz, soul, and club rap in a captivating mix. Her colourful robe and rainbow hair clips added to the vibrant atmosphere.

Groups chatted softly whilst watching Rara Zulu’s set or gathered directly in front with room to groove. With levels and levels of bookshelves, wooden study desks and Edwardian splendour of cornices and scrolls adorning the walls it could have been a Bohemian artist party in the 1900s. Except for the electronic music. Acoustics were impeccable, as sound was captured by the high domed ceiling and round walls, bouncing back clear and smooth. Combined with glowing pink and blue lights flashing to the beat, it was a viscerally relaxing experience.

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Photo – Remi Chauvin

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As the night progressed, Gavin Campbell took over the DJ deck, transforming the dance floor into a pulsating celebration. Time wasn’t monitored, everyone was congregating at the bar or blazing it on the dance floor. The event was exhilarating, akin to a nightclub but without the usual drawbacks of drunkards, rude bouncers, or sticky floors. It was a place where attendees could fully immerse themselves in the music and art or simply relax and observe, free from judgment.

Young, old, every age, gender and race in between had come and gone tonight. This event was a testament to inclusivity, attracting a diverse crowd of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you were a seasoned art enthusiast or a casual observer, the atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed. “Melbourne Out Loud” will remain open in the State Library until 28th January 2025, plenty of time for you to check it out even if you missed the RISING event.

“Library Up Late X Rennie Ellis: Melbourne Out Loud” was an unforgettable event that seamlessly combined art, music, and social engagement in an iconic setting. The exclusivity of experiencing the State Library after hours added to the allure, making it a truly special occasion. No shushing librarians allowed.

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Photo – Remi Chauvin

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Photo – Remi Chauvin

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AMNPLIFY – DB