Unpopular – REVIEW
Image: Unpopular exhibition view featuring A Boundless Drop, To A Boundless Ocean Directed and edited by Julian Klincewicz using 16mm archival footage of the Summersault festival, filmed by Evan Bernard, 1995/1996
Image: Zan Wimberley
If there was one word that could define the new Powerhouse exhibition Unpopular it could be “passion”.
Passion for a genre of music, passion for a movement, passion for collecting and above all, one man’s passion for all of the above.
That person is Stephen ‘Pav’ Pavlovic, one of the most Influential figures in Australian music, and most likely, someone who you have never heard of.
In the early ‘90s, even though thousands a miles away from where it was happening, Pavlovic would pick up on changes in the music scene that would resonate around the globe, but its biggest impact outside north America would be in Australia.
Out of the dampness of Seattle would come a wave of music that put energy and honesty at its centre and would go on the impact town music was made and delivered in a pre-digital world.
As a young booker for the Landsdowne, Pavlovic thought he was on top of the world when he managed to tour early grunge exponents Mudhoney.
Image: Zan Wimberley
That was until they suggested that he also look at their Seattle bandmates Nirvana, who Pavlovic pursued, eventually booking them into the Phoenician Club and later The Big Day Out.
It turned out to be their only Australian tour but would open the venues and the country to Fugazi, Hole, The Lemonheads, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and more.
By 1995/96 Pavlovic felt secure in touring many of his favourite musicians including Foo Fighters, Beck, Sonic Youth and the Beastie Boys in the one of national Summersault festival, a collective experience that would shape many future events.
Image: Zan Wimberley
During all of this hard work and mayhem Pavlovic was also pursuing his other passion for collecting and documenting everything from photographs, gig posters, cassette packages, set lists to interviewees with touring band members.
Working with designer Alice Babidge Pavolic curated around 200 of these items to form the backbone of the Powerhouse show Unpopular that is displayed over eight pavilions that includes footage from Nirvana’s Phoenician Club show.
Artist Lilian O’Neil and filmmaker Julian Klincewicz have also re-interpreted archival material and created new works for the show.
Image: Zan Wimberley
Alongside Pavlovic’s book, UNPOPULAR, starting early November, the Powerhouse will also be presenting an analogue art workshop with Ben Brown and Paul Curtis, a music photography masterclass with Sophie Howarth and in early December, three nights of documentaries of bands that helped define the movement.
That Pavlovic has been able to call on many musicians including Dave Grohl, Melissa Auf Der Maur and Kim Gordon, who also contribute to the exhibition, says a lot of the fondness that they have for their times touring here.
Likewise for the team of artists, filmmakers and others who made up the Pavlovic caravan of creatives.
As for Pavlovic’s record company Modular and its impact on Australian music, that is worthy of another exhibition.
Unpopular: 27 October 2022 – 04 June 2023
Entry: FREE
Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris St, Ultimo
www.maas.museum/event/unpopular/
