International art dealer, curator and painter and owner of TW Fine Art Gallery.
International art dealer, curator and painter and owner of TW Fine Art Gallery.
Tove Langridge, a luminary in the realm of international art, wears multiple hats as an art dealer, curator, and accomplished painter. As the visionary owner of TW Fine Art Gallery, Tove has established himself as a driving force in the art world, seamlessly blending his passion for curation and artistic creation. We chatted to Tove about his amazing international career and his new Pop Up Gallery at The Oasis.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
I love how the city meets the sea. I can wake up, go for a swim with my dog before work and then again when I come home. It’s literally one of the most beautiful places to live on earth and I know my dog Otto agrees!
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I love the outdoors, but I’m also pretty left-brained. I’m inspired by ideas, art and culture and when I was younger the left side of my brain won out, leading me to New York City where I studied painting and art history.
I lived and worked in the city for almost 15 years but as I grew older my perspectives shifted. I missed my family and my friends from home, and I craved a more balanced life where I could enjoy the outdoors and nature for more than a few months of the year. That led me back home to Australia.
Can you share a bit about your journey into the art world and what inspired you to become an art dealer and curator?
My grandfather was an architect and my mum always made jewellery & ceramics. I was always around creativity in various forms and loved making things myself. It just didn’t seem like an option as a career when I grew up so I went and did a business degree.
However, after working in Sydney for many years and already in my 20s, I just thought why not apply to art schools in New York. I got into my top pick – SVA which had alumni like Keith Harring, and the rest is history.
After I graduated, I landed a position working for Lynda Benglis and then Abstract Expressionist Michael Goldberg, then ultimately his estate after he passed away. I had access to such incredible works of art, galleries and artists. I was so fortunate to be working within the legacy of New York modernism. I never looked back.
What factors do you consider in selecting and presenting artworks?
I love ideas. Artworks that can articulate how we think and feel within the visual language are genius. We forget that paintings employ a language that isn’t word-based, and just like any language you pick it up over time.
Once you start to understand it, a whole world of intuitive meaning opens up. Part of my job is encouraging people to engage with the visual language, to demystify it or rather remove it from the context of advertising to which it is so intertwined.
It’s the oldest language in human history, it was designed to communicate in a way that words cannot. Like music, it has no literal meaning and it’s universal.
Does your work as a painter influence your curatorial decisions?
I would say yes. Because I make paintings myself, I can see the inner workings of the painting. It’s a very difficult thing to make a great painting. Robert Nava once said it’s like describing a sprinter running a perfect race.
As a non-athlete, I see the brilliance, the thrill of the performance. Another sprinter would also see that brilliance but they are also able to break down all the technical reasons as to how the sprinter executed the race. A great painting makes us compelled to admire it, but often it’s difficult to describe explicitly why we love it.
Are there particular exhibitions at TW Fine Art that you found especially fulfilling or that had a significant impact?
Absolutely. One of my favourite shows was called ‘Learn, Unlearn, Repeat’ in 2018. It brought together artists from Europe, Australia and America (a few are some of the biggest most collectible contemporary artists in the world).
The premise of the show was to always be open to learning new things and ideas, and just when you think you you know a great deal, dissect that knowledge and relearn it with fresh intent. Each artist in that show is forever changing, unafraid of experimentation and failure in pursuit of that undefined goal within their work.
Tell us a bit about your Oasis Pop-Up gallery.
We are here for 3 months on level 1. Over the three months, we will host three different exhibitions. First up and on view now is Australian painter Odessa Mahony-de Vries who creates wonderful large-scale abstractions. Second up is one of my good friends Chris Trueman from Los Angeles, and finally a British painter who also loves Los Angeles – Max Presneill.
We also have many works by other artists from our stockroom as well as access to our online catalogue of limited-edition prints. The prints can be ordered in any size in the gallery, they are then printed, framed and delivered direct to your home from our print shop. Our hours are 10:00 – 4:00pm Tuesday – Saturday.
Can you give us some tips on how to pick art for our home?
Scale up, a big piece always makes a statement. I’m a big fan of everything in your home having a story & that story is told through the threads of how you relate to the pieces in your home and why you purchased them. Spend some time around paintings, you may gravitate to minimal pieces, or bold gestural abstracts or a combination of styles.
Art is about feeling and personality, sometimes (like people) paintings grow on you, your first reaction may not be accurate. Come in to see me at the gallery and I’ll introduce you to some fantastic artworks and you can go from there!
What are your Gold Coast favourites:
Café: The Milkman’s Daughter
Restaurant: Omeros Bros
Bar: Sunset Bar and Grill
Beach: Mermaid Beach (it’s my local)
How do you choose to spend your days off?
Generally with friends and family, but if it’s a nice day, you’ll generally find me on the beach with the doggo.
Some of you may recognise Sasha Mielczarek as a former Bachie contestant, but he’s left the reality TV world far behind and is busy kicking goals as a business owner, builder and family man. Last year was super busy for Sasha as he married the love of his life, completed a stunning renovation on a Bowral property and opened LOCAL in Burleigh. We’re officially exhausted just reading that! We chatted to Sasha about his many ongoing projects and what he loves about living on the Gold Coast.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I moved here in 2019 to pursue an opportunity with some close mates of mine in construction. Quite different to Country NSW where I grew up but I’m embracing the lifestyle of the Gold Coast and everything that comes with it.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I grew up in Western Sydney and Country NSW. Spent a bit of time in Canberra where I went to Uni (studied Engineering/Commerce) and played footy. Played a bit of footy overseas in England and the US.
I started in Construction in 2007 (both commercial and residential) and never looked back. Loved understanding and learning how things were built (must be the engineering brain). This extended past construction and with the influence of my Dad and Step Dad developed a passion for classic cars and bikes (I’m currently building a 1969 Dodge Charger in the US and am just about to finish a 1959 Cadillac here in QLD).
Given a close history with prostate cancer I actively support the Movember Foundation and Men’s health in general having raised close to $90k in 20 years. The biggest thing I encourage everyone to do is to go get a health check on a yearly basis as it could mean the difference between getting something early and getting on top of it OR leaving it too late.
I relocated to the Coast in 2019 where I switched from builder side to subbie side and took up a position as Operations Manager for a facade company that two good mates of mine started back in 2008. These two fellas (Nick and Jack) have also given me a number of other opportunities which I’m extremely grateful for. Putting work aside I have an amazing family, 2 brothers and a sister ( Jay, Jedd and Charlie), a beautiful niece and nephew (Isobel and Reggie), an amazing wife (Carly), a beautiful little puppy (Sadie) and a close-knit friend group. Hopefully, a few ‘tin lids’ (kids) in the future, who knows? Definitely getting in some practice haha I’m extremely close with my mother (Kym) and literally owe everything I have as well as all my successes to her. My parents worked tirelessly to afford me the greatest opportunities in life and I feel extremely fortunate to have them by my side every step of the way.
You recently opened LOCAL in Burleigh. What made you want to get into the hospitality scene on the Gold Coast?
It’s always been a dream of mine and there were limited places I genuinely enjoyed going for a beer that had it all i.e. Good food, drinks, live music, an outdoor beer garden, like-minded people and just a nice space for all occasions.
I was lucky enough to be given an opportunity to jump on board with some close mates of mine who were already in the hospo space and that’s when we stumbled across the old Harry’s site. We always had intentions of doing something great, it just took a bit longer than we first hoped. But we wanted to make sure we did it once and did it right. That’s when LOCAL Burleigh was born and the response has been truly overwhelming.
Side note, would like to thank the Locals and everyone who has come in and continues to pay homage and support us. Locals supporting LOCAL… How many times you think I can say Local in a paragraph, haha!
You have a number of other projects, including a coworking space in Burleigh. Tell us about that.
I seem to jump from one thing to another. It’s usually the odd house on the side however this time my business partners and I decided to do a shared office space on the main strip of Burleigh, James Street. We saw a gap in the market for a professional co-working community (namely those in the construction space). Rather than having people come and go we wanted to create a community of like-minded people where those on board could share information and ideas to help build and grow their own business. Since opening in late 2022 we’ve been full books and have a number of different businesses on deck including a Project Marketing Company, a Structural Engineering Firm and a Facade Company amongst a number of others. Given its success, we are looking to create another Blank Space in the near future so watch this space.
What has been the biggest opportunity and/or challenge so far for you?
Opportunities as mentioned above.
Biggest challenges: Personally – trying to find my feet on the Gold Coast having moved from Country NSW as well as finding a solid friend group and a partner. It’s taken time but I managed to do both.
Professionally – establishing a new business is always challenging little lone making it successful. Still navigating our way through and always looking to continually improve but heading in the right direction.
What do you love most about living on the Gold Coast?
The lifestyle and weather. Being an early riser it’s good to have the sun come up early and make the most of the day. Also being so close to the beach and the vast array of things to do. Growing up it was the local skate park or meet down at the 7/11 with the lads in a VL commie (Commodore) for a Friday night soiree. Being on the Gold Coast I can still do that but there are also so many other activities right at your doorstep to make the most of.
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café: I recently discovered Bear Boy Espresso up at Hope Island and it’s bloody fantastic. Everything from the food, to the coffee and the staff was all time.
Coffee spot: Not just saying it because I have a vested interest in the joint but love the coffee at LOCAL. We get our beans from Bellissimo coffee in Bulimba where I first met my beautiful wife. So having that tie makes it a bit spesh. I also love the coffee at Chut & Co in Mermaid. A mate of mine, Joey recently gave up his job in Construction to open up a cafe of all things and he’s killing it. To be honest much better cafe owner than builder haha (he’ll love this when he reads it).
Restaurant: Got a few however my wife and I are all over Sofia’s in Broadbeach like cheap suit at the moment. Also, can’t really go past Etsu. Always on point!
Bar or pub for a drink: Of course, LOCAL Burleigh but also love the Crab Pot down on the water. Good crew of local lads down there and it reminds me of home (with a slightly better view and a tab).
How do you choose to spend your weekends?
I’m always on the go however recently my wife and I have tried to take a step back and enjoy quality time together. We love the odd bike ride up to Main Beach from Burleigh, jumping on the Jet ski and going for a cruise up North, taking our little puppy for a run around down the Alley or simply going out and trying new places. Literally living up all the Goldie has to offer.
Summer’s here which means the days are longer, the nights are balmy and there’s no place you’d rather be eating than alfresco. Enter: the only dining destination you need to know about whether you’re looking for your coffee fix or something a little more fancy, we’ve found your Oasis for all things summer dining in Broadbeach.
Caffeine Hit
But first, coffee. A fan fave, Elk Espresso’s menu changes seasonally, but we inevitably choose their Panna Cotta served with seasonal produce. It’s always as delicious as it is ‘grammable. Paired with their speciality coffee it’s a combo that will have you wondering it’s bean all your life.
For a brew-tiful start to the day, Base Broadbeach have nailed the art of Cold Drip – served over ice and prepared for five hours for that sweetness and clarity you know and love. Our go-to all year round, you could say we love it a latte.
The Institutions
They’ve been around longer than you remember, or maybe even long than you’ve been alive (hi Gen Z). We can’t say no to The Broadbeach’s classic Chicken Parmigiana – family argument over whether it’s a parmi or parma optional.
It’s the classic Italian you know and love for good reason, Mario’s knows pizza and pasta like no other. Dine in alfresco or get your pizza to go for a cheeky picnic on the beach.
If you need a sweetie treatie, donut worry Madison’s have the ultimate line up of pastries and baked goods for when those cookie cravings kick in – did someone say Biscoff cheesecake?
Sharing Is Caring
They put the ‘yum’ in Yum Cha, Grand Dynasty is the place to feast with the fam or friends. They’ve got all the classics you know and love like steamed prawn dim sims and bbq pork buns, so we know you’ll be crazy a-bao it.
In the mood to spice up your life? Satay no more. If you haven’t Thai’d the Crispy Pork Belly with kaffir lime sauce (our flavour of choice) from Spice Kitchen & Bar then seriously, what have you been waiting for?
Appetite as big Godzilla’s? Well we’ve got the spot for you. Harajuku Gyoza say you’ll leave feeling like a sumo wrestler and they mean it because you’ll be wanting to taste each and every delicious dumpling. Their Cheeseburger Gyoza with ketchup, mustard and pickles is a must-try.
Chill Eats
Get the So-Cal vibes at California Taco and let’s taco bout how fish tacos > all other flavours. There. We said it. Grab a couple of the classic OG Fish Taco with crumbed white fish, mango & pineapple salsa, white cabbage, baja aioli and salsa fresca on a corn tortilla. Yes. Please.
There’s no better place to perch up with a pint and people watch than The Loose Moose. The Jalapeno Poppers are morsels of spicy goodness, balanced with your brew of choice of course.
Feelin’ Fancy
In case you needed a reason to pull out your favourite fancy ‘fit, these guys are bringing boujee to Broadbeach. Sofia’s classic Cacio e Pepe has hit cult status quickly for the flavour and theatrics, with linguine, cream, cracked pepper served at the table and tossed in their 40kg parmesan wheel – yes, you read that right. The parmesan might not be the only thing needing to be wheeled out.
One of the newer kids on the block, Luna’s Gnocchi al Pomodoro is a game-changer. With hand-made gnocchi, tomato sauce, parmesan and fresh basil – sometimes less is so much more.
Where: The Oasis, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
When: Various opening hours
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE OASIS SHOPPING CENTRE
