Elizabeth Ann Macgregor
Director of the MCA
If Sydney was a work of contemporary art…
It would be an early work by Juan Davila: bold and brash, immediately engaging and provocative, with an underlying serious intent.
The fast-talking, tartan sporting Scot has revolutionised the MCA since she took over in 1999 with free entry, higher visitor numbers, big-time patrons, the creation of a permenant collection and high profile shows from the world's most popular contemporary artists.
Where do you go to get inspired?
Shop
Inspiration for me comes from artists so I would nominate commercial galleries in Paddington and Redfern/ Waterloo as my favourite ‘shops’. They are after all places where you can browse to see the latest ideas as well as buy! Buying art for the love of it is one of life’s great delights. – you don’t need to spend a lot of money.
Bookshop
Buying books is one of my great passions, for myself and as gifts – trying to match people’s interests with good books. Ariel in the Rocks is one of my favourites – small but a good range to suit all tastes.
Magazine
Frieze is my favourite art magazine for keeping up with what’s happening in art and culture on the international scene. From the moment it hit the bookstands in the early 90’s, it has been enormously influential, and has since expanded into an Art Fair and a Foundation.
Website
Goat Boy, a new venture which makes me laugh!
Outdoor space
About an hour and a half drive and a short boat row takes me to my favourite outdoor spot: Patonga Creek where I can get away from the stresses of the city and have time to think in beautiful peaceful surroundings
Creative space
My creative space is the MCA – It’s such a thrill to be involved in deciding which artists to present and then to see how the work transforms the spaces. I love to walk through the galleries when there is no-one there – to be able to spend time with the work of incredibly talented artists is a great privilege.
Cinema
I’m more likely to see films on my plasma at home. On those rare evenings when I don’t have something on, curling up on the sofa is usually more appealing than going to the cinema!
Sydney street or suburb
I’ve recently moved to Pyrmont, near the water. I love the working harbour and the mix of old and new. The proximity of the fishmarkets has inspired me to be more adventurous in cooking.
Public art
Hossein and Angela Valamanesh’s Monument to the Great Irish Famine at Hyde Park Barracks on Macquarie Street. An inspirational piece of public art which avoids the grand statement yet makes an evocative impact.
Who is your ultimate Sydney style icon and why?
Gallery owner Roslyn Oxley – for her commitment to supporting Australian artists over many years, her judgement in choosing the best new talent, her impeccable dress sense and her ability to look and behave as if she’s at least 20 years younger!
What element of style does Sydney have that the rest of the world needs?
I think Sydney style in my world is about individuality. Artists like Janet Laurence, Julie Rrap, Mikala Dwyer, Tracey Moffatt and Maria Fernanda Cardoso to give a few examples all have strong sense of their own style which reflects their creativity. This makes the Sydney artworld a lot more interesting than the black-clad conformity of other cities!
Who in your sphere is an up and coming Sydneysider to watch?
The Museum recently bought a work by Todd McMillan, a young video artist who makes enigmatic and haunting work – images that you can’t get out of your head.
What would advice would you give to aspiring people in your field?
Look at as much art as you can – begin to develop your own judgement, get to know artists.