Tuesday, January 17, 2012

tassie highlights...MONA

Well. That holiday went in the blink of an eye!  Despite the fact that I’ve lived in a lot of places, and travelled to more than my fair share...I had never been to Tasmania before last week. I know, I can’t believe it either, or how I could possibly have left it so long!
We had the most wonderful time, spending most of the week in Hobart but getting out and about on day trips as well.  I have taken eleventy seven million photos (almost) and there’s no way they’re all going in one post, so just consider this Tassie highlights No. 1.
MONA ~ theMuseum of Old and New Art. I defy anyone not to be impressed by this place (although I was told by several people that there was a letter to the Editor of the Hobart Mercury demanding it be closed because of its depravity or debauchery or any number of other D words!). 
From the sublime to the ridiculous, the bizarre to the brutal, this place is a bit of a shrine to individualism, to brave choices and in my view, an incredible gift to Australia (not just Hobart) although Hobartians, you can of course ‘own’ it all for yourselves J It is without doubt, world class. Here are some of my favourite artworks...although, I'm sorry, the photos simply don't do them justice.
Richard and I rarely agree on things artistic, but we both thought that this next piece was the most wonderful in the collection ..."Sternenfall" by Anselm Keifer...
And the technology...wow. There are no descriptions next to any of the art...you access all sorts of information through the iPod you're given on entry. 
Some of it is so irreverent..."art wank"...just enhancing the sense of the unexpected wherever you turn...what's not to love?
The spaces in this gallery are stunning. It is immense and jaw droppingly, breathtakingly good...
And you know what...even the shadows on the floor are amazing...
The outside is equally impressive...wonderful rust, reflections and a stunning setting. Hobart is truly one of the loveliest capital cities in the world.
And when you go...take the ferry. You must. And dress in black...of course.
This was also the day Richard taught me to take photos through a torn piece of paper! As you do.
Go to MONA...you really, really must.

12 comments:

  1. What a great review Kerry. I knew you'd love it. I'd have liked to have got your thoughts on more of the pieces. I love the way you have montaged the images you clever thing! I have drafted a post on my last trip to MONA but I might just send people on over to read yours!
    Looking forward to reading mire of your Tassie posts x

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  2. I am immediately going to take a photo through a torn piece of paper, since I can't magic myself to Hobart.

    I had a friend who lived there, and left when the urge to run naked down the street to make something HAPPEN became pressing. A visit is a different thing though.

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  3. Ps LOVE the shadow on the floor piccy!

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  4. Hello Kerry:
    We are thrilled to know that this is only the first of what we hope will be many more insights into Tasmania, a country we know, alarmingly, very little about. MONA looks to be an exceptionally impressive place. Such bravura in the Art, the scale, the confidence and the brilliance of design. We are certain that we should love it.

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  5. I'd love to see some Howard Arkley in the flesh. I love his stuff. I also love that self-portrait of you. How funky do you look in black?! Get out!

    MONA looks cutting-edge and exciting! Thanks for showing us all. I'm packing my bags, only with black, arty clothes, as I type.

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  6. I only just heard about MONA recently from a friend, and now it's on my list! Looks amazing. Thanks for the pics. Penny

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  7. I've never been to Tassie either! I know. It looks absolutely fabulous. MONA looks amazing. I think it could be a good destination with the kids too. xx

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  8. My husband's from Melbourne and he's/we have never been there either! Hope to fit it in on our next trip to Australia. the MONA looks fantastic. Thanks for the fab photos!

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  9. Excellent MONA review and great pics too! Being a Tassie girl myself who grew up in Hobart I get excited and feel proud when people finally visit Tasmania and come away thinking "Well, Tassies not too bad!". I still laugh when people say you can see Tassie in a weekend. If there were a few more employment opportunities down there I'd be back in a flash - it really is the best place in Australia to live. Glad you enjoyed it - can't wait to read more :)

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  10. Oh and I just noticed you are reading In Tasmania - would love to hear what you thought of it. I recently got this book but haven't started reading it yet, I'm a bit slow when it comes to reading :(

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  11. I would love to visit MONA it is new since we left and I watched the building of it and fell instantly in love. Fancy having that sort of money that you could just build your wildest dream!!!!

    Richard's lesson on photography seems to have been very apt for the site!!!!

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  12. Oh, loving every word and photo here, Kerry. Thankyou for for so brilliantly highlighting the little treasure down the road from us. I'm so delighted it made your heart skip a beat! Looking forward to the next post...J x

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I love it when you comment...I feel excited, chuffed and tranquil all at the same time! Thank you.

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