Today I am visiting museums – specifically a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). There are two locations of NGV in Melbourne, The Ian Potter Centre (Australian art) and NGV International (extensive collection of international art). Note: The international location is temporarily closed as of time of this post.
I first stop at the The Ian Potter Centre since it is on the way for my walk to the NGV International. I catch the free exhibit by Lucy McRae, an Australian artist.
I watch a short film by the artist:
Institute of Isolation, 2016, is an observational documentary that contemplates whether isolation, or extreme experience, might be used to build human resilience in the context of space travel and off-planetary existence. McRae ponders: what happens to people when they are travelling for decades in a very, very small space? What will the body and mind need to endure and how will people prepare? – From NGV website
The artist’s main inspiration of her art is the question How will technology transform the body?
The museum exhibit contains videos and photographs that show her thoughts on body and technology.
I skip the other galleries at the Ian Potter NGV because there are special exhibits at the other museum that have timed and limited entry.
NGV International
The theme today is NYC -> coincidently the city I recently moved away from. The artists featured in the premium exhibitions are from NYC.
The first exhibit I visit is KAWS: COMPANIONSHIP IN THE AGE OF LONELINESS.
I love his take on pop culture personalities.
Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat: Crossing Lines
The next special ticket exhibit is the Haring and Basquiat combination gallery. The museum highlights a number of works from both artists; both were prominent in the art world during the same period. I have seen pieces from both artists at museums around the world but this is the largest collection I have seen from both artists thus far.
Keith Haring
Jean-Michel Basquiat
After I finish my viewing of the NYC artists I move on to some other exhibits while time allows. Normally I am not interested in fashion but the fashion exhibit below pulls me in.
Comme des Garçons by Rei Kawakubo
I also watch another art film but this time by Iranian artist Shirin Neshat.
“Dreamers“
I see some rooms with other collections: Picasso and such. However I am especially drawn to the animal art in the NGV Salon. The salon holds interesting 19th century artwork. Unfortunately I have to discover these rooms quickly because the museum is closing. I hope to return someday to get a closer look at the artwork.
After the museum closes I wander around the nearby Arts Center where I order a cocktail and get a snack. Museum days wear me out so I head back to my part of town sooner than later.
I take a different tram back to Collingwood today. It drops me off near a brewery called Stomping Ground Brewery & Beer Hall where I try a couple beers before settling in for the evening.
Growing With Leala 