Kiffy Rubbo: Curating the 1970s

After an extremely fortunate chance encounter with Michael and Mark Rubbo in Clunes Booktown Festival in May, I was wanting to know more about their sister Kiffy. 

It’s great that Ivanhoe Library has a copy of this book. 

It must have been a difficult task to convey the energy and atmosphere at George Paton Gallery in the 70s as a book form without much photographical/video materials. 

I’ve been to the gallery many times, but had no idea about this wonderful history. 

I must admit, there’re very few artists I recognised who exhibited in the gallery under Kiffy’s directorship, except Bill Henson and Carol Jerrems. 

However, thanks to passionate writings by contributors, we can feel how much influential she was with regards to contemporary art scenes in Melbourne and beyond, especially for female artists. Also, a publication of Art Almanac. 

Her letters to ‘Mike’ in the latter part of the book were truly touching. 

I’m searching for a symposium of her legacy on which the book was based, but so far to no avail. 

I’ve found an interview though with Janine Burke, Bridie Carter and Mark in ABC Radio National. Worth listening. The link is here. 

Another one in ABC Sydney with Janine and Helen Hughes. The link is here.