Clip description
An art auction. A woman is purchasing two pieces of art – a Mimi statue and a painting of a barramundi fish.
Original classification rating: M. This clip chosen to be PG
An art auction. A woman is purchasing two pieces of art – a Mimi statue and a painting of a barramundi fish.
This clip, taken from the beginning of the short feature Mimi, shows Catherine (Sophie Lee) at an art auction, where she successfully bids for two Indigenous artworks, a Mimi spirit sculpture and a painting of a barramundi fish. Credits for the film are cleverly included within the auction catalogue that Catherine is flipping through. As she collects her purchases, she asks the auctioneer if the artworks will double in value over the next year. Returning to her modern apartment, she leans the artworks against a wall, checks her phone messages and prepares to go out to meet her friends. She puts the artworks in a closet, discovering the Mimi sculpture has left a mark on the wall, and leaves the apartment.
Catherine is at an art auction where she successfully bids for two Indigenous artworks.
Auctioneer And so we come to the last item on the list tonight – to artworks from Maningrida in Arnhem Land. The first, a painting depicting a barramundi and the other a Mimi sculpture. The artist is unknown. We’ll start the bidding at $500. Who’ll give me $500? Madam – $500. $600? Thank you, sir – $600. $700?
Catherine No, 800.
Auctioneer Is anyone $900? Any? For $800 sold. Thank you very much, madam.
Catherine pays for the artworks.
Catherine Do you think that’s a good price for these things?
Auctioneer Yes, they’ll look beautiful together anywhere in your house.
Catherine I mean, like, in a year’s time will they double in price?
The auctioneer stares at her with hostility.
Catherine Come to think, I do like the fish one.
Catherine returns to her apartment, leans the artworks against a wall and plays her phone messages while she gets ready to go out.
Woman (on first phone message) Cath, you bitch. We’re drinking at the Goanna Bar. You stood us up again. Hurry up and get down here. (on second phone message) Hey, we’re at the Echidna Bar. Might head over to the Dugong Club. So get your shit together, girl.
Catherine puts the artworks away in a cupboard before she goes out, discovering that one of them has left a mark on her wall.
Catherine Shit.
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australianscreen is produced by the National Film and Sound Archive. By using the website you agree to comply with the terms and conditions described elsewhere on this site. The NFSA may amend the 'Conditions of Use’ from time to time without notice.
All materials on the site, including but not limited to text, video clips, audio clips, designs, logos, illustrations and still images, are protected by the Copyright Laws of Australia and international conventions.
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