We are brimming with art and culture in this town, it exists in our galleries and institutions, and riddled in our streets, ready to be discovered and explored. If you ever find the time to peruse Canberra’s artistic surrounding, follow our arts trail and you might find yourself pleasantly surprised.
First the big building with the pears out the front, you know the one! The National Gallery of Australia plays host to a lively combination of performance and installation. Nervous combines Heather B. Swann’s Banksia Men sculptures with poetry and music, playing with the space and energy of the elements together. This exhibition is on display until 20 November. While you’re there, also check out the regular works – they are equally as stunning.
Continuing on National Circuit, there are some interesting images in the National Portrait Gallery. The Tough & Tender exhibition features curious photos from the 1960s, which present each subject in a new light, highlighting the unexpected elements in them. Contrasting elements of human nature, this exhibition allows the viewer to see the interplay and is showing until 16 October.
For something a bit different and exciting, The Canberra Glassworks is exhibiting Fresh Glass. The artists have drawn inspiration from the spring season to create works of glass and flora, in the form of installations. Glass artists and floral experts have collaborated in this intriguing botanical collection. This one is a must visit! Make sure you check it out before it winds up at the end of the month on 30 October.
The Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize is on at the National Archives of Australia, running until 13 November. Many of the works comment on the effects of mankind upon nature, using natural imagery and juxtaposition to cause recognition. The works are beautiful and delicate, as well as poignant.
Over at the Nishi Gallery in NewActon is Malleable Beings/Mutable Realities, which launches this Thursday and continues up until 30 October. The multiple faceted exhibition features works of many mediums; from photography to painting and sculpture, exploring the divide between reality and other things, other worlds.
Inspiration runs high at the National Museum of Australia. A History of the World in 100 Objects depicts human ingenuity and artistic works that are on loan from the British Museum until 29 January. This exhibit is very multicultural; combining artefacts from all over the world, and is a peak into the total expanse of human history.
So next time you find yourself with a spare few hours, why not take a stroll through the city and check out our artistic hot spots. You’ll find art is scattered all around you, and this guide has only scratched the surface!
