Nick Cave delivers Stories

Mon 24th Dec, 2007 in Local News

A new book from the Melbourne Arts Centre takes an insightful and playful journey behind the music and into the imagination of iconic Australian musician, songwriter and author Nick Cave.

Nick Cave has opened the door to his unique world, both real and imagined, and is allowing us to take a look around in a book released in conjunction with the Arts Centre’s Nick Cave – The Exhibition; Nick Cave – Stories.

Designed to resemble a contemporary version of one of Cave’s early notebooks, Nick Cave – Stories was written and complied in collaboration with Cave by Arts Centre Manager of Collections and Research Janine Barrand, and features narratives written by Cave, Barrand and author James Fox.

Forgoing the traditional exhibition catalogue format, Cave and Barrand have instead chosen to create a journal that includes Cave’s own unique personal insights into the story behind selected items from Nick Cave – The Exhibition.

Nick Cave – Stories grants access to the creative process of this prolific artist. The book traces Cave’s diverse body of work from his roots in Melbourne to time spent in London, Berlin, Sao Paulo and back, to give a unique insight into how Cave meticulously documents his creative process while adding personal reflections and a taste of his dark but uniquely Australian sense of humour.

Divided into four chapters, Nick Cave – Stories explores four different facets of Cave’s creative endeavour and sources of inspiration.

Chapter 1 – Things to remember
Explores Cave’s obsessions from list making to date stamps.

Chapter 2 – A short guide to the city and the country
Cave’s world both real and imagined as seen through rural Australia, the deep south of America and English pastoral settings.

Chapter 3 – - œL’ is for love
From literature, Louis Wain and love songs to Bob Dylan and Kylie Minogue, this chapter explores love according to Nick Cave.

Chapter 4 – A song is making itself apparent
The role of the office in Nick Cave’s song writing and the story of how some of his songs have evolved.

Nick Cave – Stories is an essential accompaniment to Nick Cave – The Exhibition, but beyond that, stands alone as a quintessential guide through the output of one of Australia’s most prolific artists at a significant point in his career.

Nick Cave – Stories is available now online at The Arts Centre or from the Arts Centre in Melbourne (Level 6 foyer).