The Tank

Our second day in Sydney takes us to the Art Gallery of NSW. I’m particularly keen to see the new extension designed by award-winning architects SANAA. Typical of new galleries, it is bright and light-filled with outdoor terraces that step down towards Sydney Harbour. This in itself is worth a visit, but of course, we’re here for some of the exhibitions.

First is located in the lowest level of the building - a reclaimed underground fuel bunker built during World War II and previously inaccessible to the public, which will no doubt be the equivalent of Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall. Here we find Adrian Villan Rojas’ amazing ‘The End of Imagination’ where strange timeless beasts are found lurking in semi darkness in vastness.  The description is very conception (I’m reminded of reading through my architecture son’s dissertations - it’s intellectually challenging): 

‘Set in extreme darkness where limits are not known, a host of moving lights operate as sentient beings seeking, surveying, locating, following their own paths and patterns, changing them according to their own needs and will, not ours. Among the shadows, this collective artificial gaze uncovers conflicted objects in a space that was itself born of conflict.’ https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/avr/

But inside the vast echoing hall I’m just mesmerised by these ‘sculptures’, the detail, and their mixture of organic and inorganic form, the play of light as the darkness is momentarily relieve.  
 
Later, we visit ‘Dreamhome - stories of Art and Shelter’ - full of fascinating concepts of just what home means and the fragility of our shelters. Visually, the colourful multi story installation mirrored to create a sense of infinity is my favourite, but there’s so much more.

https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/dreamhome/ 

And finally, it’s the Yiribana  gallery of Aboriginal Art - full of fascinating exhibits. Amongst our favourites where  traditional techniques combine with new materials and storytelling. 

https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/yiribana/

It’s then back to the hotel for a much needed rest before a meal at Portside and our evening at the Opera House watching the Australian Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet. This time we’re warm and comfortable, the orchestra is stunning and the dance is excellent - but I’m reminded just why I prefer contemporary dance to classical ballets where there is just so much faffing around! So much beautiful music, with so little actual dance! And of course, just being in this magnificent building is wonderful! 

I’ve taken so many shots today, it’s even harder than usual to know what to blip - and I’m trying to post this pre-embarkation as I’m not sure how good the Wi-Fi will be. 
So my main’s a shot from the ‘End of the Imagination’ exhibition, with extras from Dreamhome and the Yiribana gallery. 

More photos here if you’re interested: 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/196070844@N05/albums/72177720304585882

Many thanks for your comments, stars and hearts for Sunday’s Opera House blip!