I began at Salamanca markets searching for a hat! But not just any old hat! About 20 years ago I bought my much loved tweed hat at this market and the hatters are still there, now 2nd generation. I had hoped that, just maybe..... but sadly no. The current guy remembered his father making these tweed hats! Hats have changed - no tweed except for men's caps.
Undaunted I bought a lovely new red one! Doubt I will get 20 years out of this one - but Happy Birthday to me!
My afternoon was spent at the Museum of Old and New Art - MONA. Not sure if it's Covid or just the regular style but getting there is quite regimented, meticulous checking of tickets and plenty of queuing.
It's certainly different and I have never seen anything quite like it. Your visit is comprehensively orchestrated.
The ferry transports you from the centre of Hobart or you can drive. I boarded the ferry which was a piece of art in itself.
After disembarking you climb a long staircase to the outer courtyard.
I loved this sculpture which catches your eye immediately. The work in it!
Inside MONA everything begins at the lower floor and you progress up through tunnels and stairs.
The theme is Sex and Death - two components of life! Some exhibits, particularly the statues, were pretty confronting and quite unseemly - others intriguing, some quite beautiful.
This was so real looking! I watched a little girl in a tutu look at it curiously. Very unsettling exhibit.
This was a water statue dropping words like "politics", "good", even "Warne" down - fleeting and gone in a breath.
The building itself is tactile and mouldings and constructions are art works within themselves. Views are obtained from many levels and perspectives. Lighting is low and often coloured.
This is the finish on a wall!
Walking through is an assault on all your senses - some sound works are overwhelmingly loud, others flash and blind you with colour, sometimes too dark to see.
One exhibit cocoons you in a silver and light filled cave - take off your shoes and recline on cushioned stair-couches.
Or what about this Ferrari? Not sure what the bulging sides reflect!
Does this white library reflect the death of books?
Look but don't touch!
There are places to sit and withdraw into your inner self - a pile of fine black and white , tiny stones to count or sort and so focus the mind totally within. There were queues waiting for a seat at the huge, circular table table.
Of course, there's plenty of food and wine outlets separate from the museum catering for everyone. A "Norah Jones" style singer entertained beautifully whilst I had a late lunch and people sat around in pink bean bags watching.
Even children are catered for in imaginative ways. I wished I was brave enough to go down this slide! Isn't it great?
People should allow 3 hours to explore apparently - I spent a little under 2 hours then moved to the lawns for a good cup of tea! And cake! I couldn't absorb any more "art".
I believe people tend to love MONA or hate it! I fell somewhere in between. It is certainly an extraordinary vision and a huge drawcard for Tasmania. It is definitely "new" art not sure about the "old" part. I am glad I went but I won't need to go again.
Seafood on the wharf, people watching and a glass of wine ended my day!
PS - a non hiking day but according to my pedometer I walk 9k! Must have been all those tunnels and levels , not to mention the markets!
Thanks Lesley, I will now give MONA a miss :-))
ReplyDeleteThanks for the descriptions! I'd like to go, but not sure I'd like it all. I'm all for sensory stimulation but not too strong...
ReplyDeleteWhen you were up in the Western Ranges did you stop at that woodwork place - the guy has carved walls of settler history stuff - I think it's called The Wall, near Derwent Bridge. It is amazing and I think I prefer that to MONA.
Anyway glad you had a good time!