The exhibition Too Near Too Far introduces some aspects of the Australian art scene, with particular attention to the rich creative context and independent initiatives of Melbourne. Creating a dialogue with some of the most active Australian realities, the project sparks a series of reflections on the idea of artistic community and on different methodologies of non-profit cultural organization. In this sense, Melbourne represents an interesting case history, with over twenty “artist-run spaces” — spaces conceived, founded, and directly managed by artists — and a high number of private non-profit realities strongly supported by public institutions.

Too Near Too Far is part of a cultural exchange project started in 2005 by Monash University of Art, Melbourne, and the independent curator Natalie King. Developed between Melbourne, Sydney, and Milan, the project includes the exhibition FRAME. A selection of Italian artists curated by Chiara Agnello and Roberta Tenconi at Gertrude Contemporary Art Spaces in Melbourne (August 25 – September 23, 2006), which was an important opportunity to present the current Italian art scene in Australia and create a dialogue with the local one.

Too Near Too Far presents for the first time in Milan the work of Alicia Frankovich and Simon Horsburgh, two young Australian artists directly involved in multiple local organizations such as the artist-run spaces Conical, Clubs Project, and West Space. Alicia and Simon are currently artists in residence at Gertrude Contemporary Art Spaces.

The exhibition is enriched by a broad documentary section on the activities of non-profit spaces, including catalogs, publications, and numerous Australian art magazines. Among the special projects, Careof also presents the work of sixteen artists who have a studio at Gertrude; at Le Case D’arte Vetrina (Via Gorani 8, Milan) the video Summer Blend by David Rosetzky, artist and founder of the historic First Floor space in Melbourne, is on view.

With the contribution of Arts Victoria, Acacia, Le Case D'arte, City of Melbourne, and Comune di Milano