EXHIBITION: HULA DREAMS
In Hawaii, the name loosely translates to ‘jumping flea’. The ukulele has certainly jumped across the globe – from Portuguese immigrants in the 19th century to Elvis’ beach blanket bingos, via Maui and Mexico – with the pervasiveness of that bitty critter; but is rather more charming. In Hula Dreams, uke-ophile Carol Ruff (aka Coral Reef) has curated a collection of 70 tiny, tune-playing canvases, covered by artists including Martin Sharp, Mic Conway, Mervyn Rubuntja, Kerrie Lester and more. Ruff tells us more.
Why your enduring passion for the ukulele?
In the 70s I worked as a children’s story teller, and the ukulele was my perfect instrument. Kids loved it, and it is so portable! I was sharing a house in Melbourne with Mic Conway, from Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band, and it was easy to copy all his chords and get tips. Except he is left-handed so it was like learning in front of a mirror.
Where did the idea for combining a tiny instrument and big name artists come from?
I am an artist who plays the ukulele and runs a gallery…it just required the great idea from Hawaiian guitar player Mike Cooper, and a fabby title from blues harmonica player, Jim Conway, and Hula! Everyone loves a ukulele.
How did you choose the artists?
All the artists are friends of myself and my partner, photographer Greg Weight. We have some very clever and eccentric friends, who don’t always take themselves too seriously and enjoy running with something a bit wicky wacky..
Do you have a favourite?
How can you have favourites among your children?
You say that this exhibition is sometimes political. Can you explain what you mean by that?
For a start, the word uke is in nuke. We have had artists making works about the rising sea levels on Mururoa and also Tuvalu, and the threat to the Great Barrier Reef, because the ukulele is deeply associated with the Pacific.
Nov 5-21, Gallery East, 21 Burnie St, Clovelly, 9665 5414, carolruff.com
