Robert Gott has fun skewering ambition on all levels.Credit:Meghan Lawson
State minister for transport Gregory Buchanan has commissioned a painting of himself from up-and-coming artist Sophie White that she intends to submit to the Archibald. Flattered by Sophie to cast caution to the wind,Gregory has agreed to go the full monty,adopting a “swagger” pose in homage to the 16th-century artist,Bronzino. But there’s a problem,as Gregory’s wife Phoebe informs him:one should never have one’s face and one’s genitals in the same picture. Especially if said genitalia are at eye level.
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They do rather “snag the gaze”,Gregory’s mother Margaret observes. In her opinion,and without beating about the bush,this may be taking transparency in government a tad too far. The double entendres inevitably abound,as one would expect from the creator ofThe Adventures of Naked Man cartoons that ran inThe Age for many years.
Next to arrive is Phoebe’s mother. Joyce is a hardcore creationist about to escalate into full medieval umbrage at the abomination hanging in the dining room. Then there’s Sally,Gregory’s gay sister with her welcome “capacity for conjuring absurdity in awkward situations”.
“You see,” she calls from the next room “this is why I am a lesbian.”
Last but by no means least to arrive for this afternoon tea,the purpose of which has long been forgotten,is the state premier. In her blue Chanel suit,large sunglasses and severe haircut,Louisa Wetherly is paying stylistic homage toVogue editor Anna Wintour.