He adds, “What the artists in the museum also show us is that no matter how humble one’s circumstances or origins, creative expression is absolutely universal. When visitors enter The Museum of Everything, they often find themselves more elevated by the material than in contemporary art exhibitions. That’s why we travel the world, it’s why we encourage other museums and curators to take this material seriously and it’s why we try to provide a platform for our artists, so that they can all have a voice and say: ‘What I do is valid, what I do means something in the world of visual culture.’” The fact that many of the works on show in The Museum of Everything exhibition at MONA would not look out of place hanging alongside the greats of art history in the world’s top museums and institutions is testament to the foresight, vision, talent, and dedication of their creators. The genius of the exhibition seems to lie in the motivation of most of its participants, which is related to the personal rather than the commercial. This dedication and commitment to creating art for personal satisfaction, expression, and exploration rather than commercial or institutional fame manifests itself in incredibly honest, engaging, insightful, dynamic, visionary, and unique works of art that have the ability to forever change one’s perception and perspective of art history and its protagonists. There’s such a unique sense of deep engagement, unwavering commitment, and art historically untainted motivation and inspiration, that it’s almost impossible to not be enchanted and inspired by the works on show. And at the centre of this pioneering movement is none other than James Brett – a modern day hero and champion of the “alternative” art scene and a man who deserves to be congratulated and cheered for his dedication and commitment to such a worthy and much-needed mission. At the end of the day, Brett’s The Museum of Everything is proof that the historically termed “outside” is one of the richest and most fertile grounds for creative expression. It’s proof that academic training is not a prerequisite for artistic achievement nor technical proficiency. It’s proof that a disability or impediment – whether it be physical, mental, behavioural, or social – is not necessarily a barrier to creative expression, and can actually be a factor in engendering creative diversity and uniqueness. And finally, it’s proof that creative genius is not solely to be found within the academically, commercially, and institutionally defined “mainstream.” ________________________________ CALLING PRIVATE ARTISTS OF AUSTRALIA Are you a non-professional or private art-maker? Do you draw your visions and dreams? Have you invented a visual language? Is your home your personal gallery? IF THIS SOUNDS LIKE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW PLEASE BRING YOUR ART TO THE MUSEUM OF EVERYTHING The Museum of Everything is coming to Australia to look for non-traditional Australian artists. In every city they visit, they will curate exhibitions of art by the local artists we meet. Some may even be included in a book and considered for their final show at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in 2017 The Museum of Everything invites EVERYONE to submit art to this unique and democratic project. Dates will be announced soon! To find out who can enter, please click >HERE (http://musevery.com.au/en/how/)<