Category Archives: Art and Architecture

Damien Shen

Posted on September 6, 2016 by Nicholas Gruen

I went to this opening because I know the artist’s sister from The Australian Centre for Social Innovation (TACSI). Like sister like brother, some pretty interesting, reflective and classy stuff. If you’re in Melbourne go check them out for yourself. More here.

Posted in Art and Architecture | Leave a comment

Bullshit: some more tidbits

Posted on August 10, 2016 by Nicholas Gruen

Apropos of my general theory of bullshit – outlined here – here are a few more straws in the wind. Consistent with the theory, the the signal to ideological noise ratio in political speeches has been falling precipitously lately – at … Continue reading →

Posted in Art and Architecture, Cultural Critique | 11 Comments

That’s one small step for government as impresario

Posted on April 20, 2016 by Nicholas Gruen

Last night I attended the launch of Creative State which was the culmination of over a year of engagement between the Victorian Government and the arts community. It involved a taskforce or some such and an Expert Reference Group – on which I sat. Anyway the Minister … Continue reading →

Posted in Art and Architecture, Economics and public policy, Innovation, Theatre | Leave a comment

What I’m reading: Things about the Parthenon YOU WON’T BELIEVE!!

Posted on March 27, 2016 by Nicholas Gruen

What is the meaning of the relief sculpture above? I recall when I was last on the Athenian Acropolis just over a year ago marvelling at the Parthenon, not just its emphatic and sublime beauty but also its strangeness. It’s so big … Continue reading →

Posted in Art and Architecture, Cultural Critique, History, Philosophy, Political theory, Religion | 6 Comments

“T” isn’t just for Troppo. T is for Trump

Posted on January 20, 2016 by Nicholas Gruen

Well folks after a gruelling (if largely imaginary) 24 hour period haggling with other Troppmeisters, I’m pleased to announce Troppo’s unanimous support for The Donald for President of the Greatest Country on Earth. We were locked in disagreement until we … Continue reading →

Posted in Art and Architecture, Ask Troppo's Love Gods, History, Humour, Inequality | 3 Comments

Some inspiration porn for your Christmas break

Posted on December 28, 2015 by Nicholas Gruen

Surely the most spectacular and inspiring building of our lifetimes – and some others’

Posted in Art and Architecture, WOW! - Amazing | 5 Comments

Political debate as culture wars: A TripAdvisor for the arts

Posted on December 27, 2015 by Nicholas Gruen

As I’ve argued elsewhere, most public debates on policy – and I suspect on pretty much everything else – tend to take place as culture wars. In a culture war the ‘sides’ are well defined – usually mapping pretty well … Continue reading →

Posted in Art and Architecture, Bargains, Economics and public policy, Innovation, IT and Internet, Journalism, Politics - national | 7 Comments