Apocalyptic sandscape revealed as MONA's next scene stealer

Acclaimed French artist Théo Mercier has been unveiled as the man behind the next major installation at Hobart’s MONA museum.

Mercier, 40, is a contemporary sculptor and stage director who splits his time between Paris and Mexico City.

He is about to begin construction on an immense sand sculpture that will inhabit MONA's former library space.

To be created in situ from sand and water, DARK TOURISM will depict a debris-strewn landscape evoking the aftermath of disaster. It will open for viewing in February, 2025.

MONA owner and founder David Walsh says: "When Théo was last in Hobart he said he was 'going for a walk.' He walked to the top of kunanyi (Mount Wellington). He’s back, and he’ll be doing something just as mad at MONA."

Mercier’s site-specific installation will be a new work commissioned by MONA and its presentation will be his first time exhibiting in Australia. 

The installation will take inspiration from the notion of ‘dark tourism’: our human propensity to seek out and travel to places associated with suffering and death. 

Tourists have long made visits to sites charged with history’s grim residue, from Pompeii to Auschwitz, the catacombs of Paris to the Cambodian killing fields, Hiroshima to Ground Zero, and Tasmania’s Port Arthur, the MONA team points out. 

DARK TOURISM is also a commentary on earth’s changing climate and its impact on the environment and humanity. 

Visitors to MONA are promised a scene reminiscent of the wake of a hurricane, landslide or tsunami. 

"Crafted entirely from Tasmanian sand, Théo's work is a reminder of the fragile and temporary nature of the world around us, and of life itself," says MONA curator Sarah Wallace. 

"I hope visitors will be drawn in by the intricate detail in this captivating installation, while reflecting on the questions he raises about how we cope with catastrophe."

 

A recent Mercier sandscape in Prague

Mercier asks: "What does it mean to sculpt catastrophe, or to construct collapse? 

"Like others who have painted ruins in the past, DARK TOURISM is about sculpting contemporary ruins, which are also natural disasters. 

"Faced with this frozen landscape, humans find themselves at the heart of the devastation, as spectators and consumers. 

"But there's something contradictory about this project, something romantic and utopian at the same time. Because the sand allows the world to tremble and shuffle itself in infinite figures."

Théo Mercier: DARK TOURISM will run at MONA from Saturday, February 15, 2025, until Monday, February 16, 2026. 

Images: Jérôme Lobato, and Gut city punch, 2023, French Pavillon, Prague Quadrennial, Ondrej Pribyl

Gevity Rx. Strange name, but it tastes good; does you good

When something tastes good and does you good that is a double whammy.

It’s a win-win situation.

So let me introduce you to Gevity Rx. It’s a strange name, for sure. But it is also a worthwhile addition to your kitchen cupboard.

I'm told Gevity stands for longevity, and Rx is short for prescription. 

The Australian health food brand has recently expanded into major supermarkets and health food stores.

Gevity Rx is a health and wellness company specialising in nutrient-dense bone broths, "formulated to support gut health and overall wellbeing".

Founded by Brisbane-based Mark and Atlanta Fowler, the company was born out of a search for natural solutions to Atlanta's severe health issues, ultimately identifying a market need for broths rich in collagen-forming amino acids.

That means absolutely nothing to a kitchen layman like myself but apparently Gevity Rx harnesses an all-natural formula that "maximises nutrient concentration to promote healing, vitality and better gut health".

My wife says that is a very good thing. 

The Gevity Rx range includes Bone Broth Body Glue (RRP: $35), Bone Broth Sauce (RRP: $17) and Bone Broth Marinade (RRP: $18).

My wife is drinking it, and used the sauce to make a gravy for last night's lamb roast. It was hearty/tasty. 

There are a lot of dishes that can be lifted by adding some Bone Broth. We'll be trying a couple more this week, and will report back.  

Gevity Rx can be found at major retailers including Woolworths and Coles, online and via local health food shops.

See https://au.gevityrx.com/

There is something hot in Denmark

The Great Southern region of Western Australia is home to some excellent wine and food experiences - if you are up for the long drive.

The relaxed coastal town of Denmark, a 4.5 hour drive from Perth along the Rainbow Coast.

Now there is a new accommodation option in the region with Perth-based off-grid accommodation provider Heyscape announcing Denmark as the latest location for its premium cabin experience.

The cabins are located on Raintree, an oceanfront regenerative farm home to award-winning paddock-to-plate restaurant The Dam, a cannabis botanical distillery plus marrons and truffles.

The location offers views of William Bay National Park, home to some of Australia's best beaches: the dazzling Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks.

It also links to the Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi cycling track.

The cabins offer self-contained kitchens, outdoor baths and locally sourced products including The Dam's truffle butter, honey and oil, and cocktail kits using vodka distilled on the property.

Guests can also book a range of unique experiences such as a 'Marron Catch and Cook.'

Three cabins are now available to book, with plans to add more by the end of 2025.

You can check out https://heyscape.com.au/explore/our-locations/denmark/

Hotel giant starts to shrink its workforce

Hotel giant Marriott has begun to sack and offer early-retirement to many of its long-serving workers.

The sackings are being presented as a "restructure for efficiency", travel news portal Skift reports.

Marriott is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, and the state has posted a WARN (Work Adjustment and Retraining) notice, citing an initial 833 layoffs by Marriott.

The company had recently said it was considering shedding about 5,000 workers.

Certainly something to think about when you decide to book your next hotel stay.

A company spokesperson declined to say how many people were laid off or to answer questions about Skift’s reporting. But they did provide a statement:

“Earlier this year, we began a strategic review of all aspects of Marriott International’s business across geographies to enhance our enterprise-wide effectiveness and discussed this initiative on our Q3 earnings call,” the spokesperson said.

“While always difficult, these job reductions at our corporate and continent offices will reshape the way we work and are expected to be largely in place in Q1 2025.”

Real Madrid opens a theme park in an unlikely destination

Football is the world's biggest sport by a considerable margin, and everyone loves a theme park.

No surprise then that Spanish giants Real Madrid, known for their excellent as well as their petulance, has signed up with Dubai Parks and Resorts to open the world's first football club theme park in Dubai.

The United Arab Emirates facility spans six hectares (the equivalent of six football pitches like the Santiago Bernabéu, a press release tells us helpfully) and features over 40 experiences, including the Middle East's first and only wooden roller coaster.

The opening event was attended by Emilio Butragueño, Real Madrid's director of institutional relations - he used to be be known as a striker - and Roberto Carlos, the club's ambassador, previously known as a full back. 

The two club legends were shown around the facilities and took part in a clinic with more than 100 children from the Real Madrid Foundation on a football pitch located inside the park.

“We are absolutely convinced that visitors to this theme park will immediately feel the excitement and enthusiasm that our badge and our shirt convey," said Butragueno, reading from a carefully scripted statement.

"Here we bring to life a very important and beloved part of our history, stemming from the emotions and dreams of Real Madrid fans."

Fernando Eiroa, CEO of Dubai Holding Entertainment, said: “Real Madrid World is more than just a theme park - it is a celebration of football.

"This is an exciting addition to Dubai's entertainment panorama with new experiences that are fully inclusive, educational and fun for everyone.”

One of the attractions, which sounds bewilderingly underwhelming, sees fans having their photo taken with life-size figures of several legendary players. 

There is nothing like a photo with a not-very-convincing wax model of Cristiano Ronaldo (above).

A special day as Yalumba celebrates 175 years

Yalumba, Australia’s oldest family-owned winery, today celebrates its 175th anniversary. 

The landmark date highlights a year filled with events and honours, culminating in the release of a special anniversary wine. 

Winery’s staff gathered this week at Yalumba’s ‘Signature vineyard’ for a symbolic tree-planting morning, underscoring Yalumba’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its vision for the future.

“Today has been a meaningful experience for our team to actively contribute to a more sustainable future," said Yalumba winemaker and head of sustainability Louisa Rose. 

"Our group brings together diverse skills and roles, and it’s special for each of them to give back to the land, especially those not typically involved in our daily viticultural work.

“Our Signature Vineyard, with its view over the Barossa Valley, is still relatively young and planted with cabernet and shiraz. We prioritise planting native vegetation around all our vineyards to support biodiversity and enhance vine health. 

"This vineyard is set to play a pivotal role in our future, providing grapes for our most renowned wine, Yalumba The Signature.”

Today, the Hill-Smith family will host an intimate celebration at Yalumba with fellow Barossa winemaking families to toast 175 years of winemaking excellence.

Reflecting on the journey, Robert Hill-Smith, fifth-generation proprietor and chairman, said: “This anniversary is not only a nod to years passed. It is a reflection of our resilience and a commitment to mastering our craft, generation after generation. 

"It also acknowledges the many exceptional fine wine people that have come through the gates of Yalumba across three centuries with shared love for our property, our wines, and our industry.

“Most of all, it is a celebration of an exciting future ahead for our family business and the world of Australian fine wine. While we celebrate our past 175 years, we keep our eyes firmly set on the next 175 as the generations before us have done.”

To mark the anniversary, Yalumba will release a limited-edition anniversary wine, a Shiraz Grenache blend (above), that reflects the character and heritage of Yalumba and Barossa. 

The grapes are sourced from some of Barossa’s oldest vineyards with plantings ranging from 1854 to 1920. 

The wine will be available in magnum format from today. 

The Yalumba 175th Anniversary Shiraz Grenache 2022 magnums are $175 RRP, available at the Yalumba Wine Room and Yalumba.com. 

Image: Robert Hill-Smith, Louisa Rose and Jessica Hill-Smith planting trees at the Yalumba Signature Vineyard, Barossa