National gallery of Australia

NGA’s latest exhibition, Monet: Impression, Sunrise will brighten your day during winter 2019

Lifestyle - Fran - June 6, 2019

Claude Monet’s masterpiece Impression, Soleil levant (Impression, Sunrise) gives its name to the Impressionism art movement and is the central painting that ties the National Gallery of Australia’s latest exhibition together.

If Claude Monet was alive today and living in Canberra, he would be seen on the shores of our lakes at first and last light creating masterpieces that in 150 years would be adorning the walls of galleries and admired by many. So, it is only fitting that the National Gallery of Australia’s latest exhibition features his masterpieces along other notable and significant artists to explore this art movement.

Monet’s Impression Sunrise – the pivotal work that gave Impressionism its name and is the central artwork that ties the exhibition together

The art movement of Impressionism took its name from Monet’s painting Impression, Soleil levant in the 19^th century. The movement originated in Paris, and artworks often emphasize the passage of time through light fluctuations.

Monet has been credited with describing Impressionism as [you] ‘try to forget what objects you have before you – a tree, a house, a field, or whatever. Merely think, ‘Here is a little square of blue, here an oblong of pink, here a streak of yellow,’ and paint it just as it looks to you, the exact color and shape, until it gives you your own impression of the scene before you’. Indeed the brushstrokes are characterised as small and thin, yet visible to the naked eye.

‘We are able to tell the story of where Impressionism started’, Nick Mitzevich

The exhibition marks the first time that Impression, Soleil levant, will leave the walls of Paris for the Southern hemisphere. It, along with almost sixty other paintings – including some by JMW Turner whose early works served as inspiration for Monet – from the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris, the Tate, and Australian and New Zealand collections will be on display in a newly designed gallery space where previously the Australian collection was housed.

I overhead Nick Mitzevich describing the Impressionist movement to a member of the media, and I think his description is accurate, eloquent and simple to understand; ‘the painting is not finished; this is where impressionism takes it name – it is an impression of what the artist is seeing’. Thinking about it, it makes perfect sense to me, and as I gaze at the paintings adorning the new redesigned gallery space I can’t help but feel that I am standing next to these masters, looking at the scene before them and taking in the impression of that moment.

The Monet Tea Lounge provides a different viewing experience

The NGA will also have a dedicated space for their ‘Monet’s Tea Salon‘ – a high tea that is sure to enhance the Monet experience – with sittings at 11am and 2pm. The corridor adjoining the gallery space has been converted to accommodate this.

People discuss my art and pretend to understand as if it were necessary to understand, when it’s simply necessary to love, Claude Monet

What you need to know

Dates: 7^th June to 1^st September 2019

Prices: A single visit adult ticket is $22*, children (up to 16 years) accompanied by an adult are free

Monet’s Tea Salon

$70* inclusive of entry to the exhibition. Available for a 11am or 2pm sitting between 7 June and 21 July 2019

Website: https://nga.gov.au/impressionsunrise/tickets.cfm

* Please note that tickets purchased through Ticketek may attract a fee which is not applicable if purchased directly from the gallery.

Claude Monet
Impression, sunrise [Impression, soleil levant] 1872
Gift of Victorine and Eugène Donop de Monchy 1940
Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris
© Christian Baraja SLB

National Gallery’s ‘Francesco 2017’ by Urs Fischer – See it before it melts away

Goes To, Lifestyle - Fran - March 15, 2019

The National Gallery of Australia has unveiled its latest major acquisition, Francesco 2017, a wax sculpture by Swiss artist Urs Fischer, funded through their acquisition budget and philanthropic donations.

In 2018, the gallery revealed Yayoi Kusama’s infinity room ‘The Spirits of the Pumpkins Descended into the Heavens 2015’ – an immersive installation that saturates your sense of sight as you peer into the endless reflections of black dotted yellow pumpkins. Today, Nick Mitzevich, gallery director, lit up our sense of touch (even though you can’t actually touch the artwork) as he set alight the 4 metre wax sculpture of the acclaimed Italian art curator, Francesco Bonami.

Nick Mitzevich, gallery director, gives life to 'Francesco' as he lights the sculpture

Nick Mitzevich, gallery director, gives life to ‘Francesco’ as he lights it up

The sculpture, created by Urs Fischer, will melt away for six months, at which point it will be recast to its original form and lit again. Mitzevich described this process as ‘the birth, the life and the death of an artwork’.

‘Life is one long decay, no? There’s a lot of beauty in it.’ Urs Fischer

Mitzevich also states that through his works, Fischer ‘defines the moment we are in’ and goes on to describe the work as ‘Like life itself, this work emulates the things that play out around us, the birth of things, the life of things, the way things change and ultimately the death of things and their destruction’.

Interestingly, Fischer does not depict his friend and model Francesco looking at art or reviewing an art book; instead, he is portrayed captivated by and holding a mobile phone – ‘a device that is emblematic of the world we live in today’.

‘Modern life is continually changing and I think this sculpture is a great metaphor for the fact that if you don’t look carefully, things will change and pass you by. Life isn’t static and we are used to artworks that are relatively static and this work is certainly not static. It has a process and a life of itself and in some ways [it’s] just like the lives we all lead. I think it’s a really beautiful, poignant, but at times macabre metaphor for the world we are in right now’ said Mitzevich when asked about the ways in which the artwork reflected the anxieties of modern life.

‘[this] is a great spark to demonstrate where the National collection is going – bold works that define the times we live in.’ Nick Mitzevich

The artwork will be on display for all Australians and visitors to enjoy, and I can already see myself spending weekends staring at its transformation and ultimate demise. And even though the artwork will be recast, I know that like life, no two will burn and melt in the same way.

‘[this is] a reflection on our own personal mortality.’ Nick Mitzevich

Things to know:

The artwork is currently on display at the National Gallery of Australia and is a permanent addition to their national collection. Entry is free and photography is permitted.

Stunning pieces will glitter in NGA’s March 2018 blockbuster – Cartier: The Exhibition

Lifestyle - Fran - November 9, 2017

Prepare yourselves to be dazzled in March 2018 when the National Gallery of Australia presents their blockbuster exhibition – Cartier: The Exhibition.

More than 300 Cartier pieces, carefully and expertly curated to present the prestigious French jewellery house’s creative maturity during the 20th century will be on display for Australians to marvel at.

While Cartier has lent pieces to exhibitions in Australia before, this is the first time they are doing a solo exhibition.

Stomacher Brooch – approximately 51 carats of sapphires with round old and rose-cut diamonds in a platinum millegrain setting

We spoke to Rene Frank from Cartier who travelled with the pieces on show at the media preview.

How do you normally pick the pieces for an exhibition when you work with Cartier?

Each exhibition is different. It is the choice of the museum director how the exhibition is to be shaped. They choose the curator and the scenographer. It is very important for Cartier that the exhibitions are not curated by Cartier staff. Of course, we have a curator at Cartier, but they are more like the keeper of the collection and their role is to support the expertise of the exhibition curator. Depending on the type of exhibition, the curators can be specialists on jewellery or decorative art.

Detail of Cartier Crocodile Necklace – Navette-shaped emeral cabochos for the eyes and 1023 brilliant-cut fancy intense yellow diamonds (60.02 carats)

So how different will the exhibition coming to Canberra in March 2018 be to exhibitions that have been to Australia before?

Well, this is the first time that there has been an exhibition in Australia.

Ever?

Yes, ever. The Cartier collection has been lent to appear in public exhibitions before. It is not the first time that we have lent pieces to Australian museums, but it was only a few pieces. This is the only exhibition dedicated to Cartier.

Rubies and diamonds encrusted earrings with matching necklace and bracelet (not pictured)

Do you have a favourite piece that will be part of the exhibition in March?

What is unique about this exhibition is that we have important pieces on loan from the Royal Family and also from the V&A Museum. For the first time they are lending the Tutti-Frutti Bandeau which belonged to Lady Mountbatten, so this is very unique. The loan of the Halo Tiara worn by the Duchess of Cambridge on her wedding day is really a great loan.

The Halo Tiara worn by Kate Middleton on her wedding day

Cartier: The exhibition (March 30—22 July) is sure to appeal to a wide range of visitors. For the jewellery enthusiast who will imagine wearing one of the pieces, the art deco lover who will appreciate the intricate, carefully arranged stones in the pieces, the architecture buff who will welcome the planned design of each piece, to the Royalty, aristocrat and global socialite fan who will get an insight into the jewels of their favourite people, this exhibition is a once in a lifetime opportunity to admire carefully crafted pieces.

We managed to get a sneak peek at some of the items that will be part of the exhibition. Gerard Vaughan, National Gallery of Australia Director and Pierre Rainero, Image, Style and Heritage Director, Cartier showcased these items at the NGA preview of the exhibition.

Pierre Raniero, Image, Style and Heritage Director at Cartier demonstrates the versatility of the Crocodile necklace

Exploring Versailles at the NGA

Goes To - Kaet - December 12, 2016

Marble statue of a woman holding a child

Versailles: Treasures from the Palace is an exhibition that makes you hold your breath, close your eyes and wish you could escape to another time – another place.

The National Gallery of Australia is the first gallery outside of France to ever host an exhibition from the Palace of Versailles.

As you enter the exhibition space, a custom scent by Master perfumer, Francis Kurkdjian fills the air. Inspired by King Louis XIV’s favourite flower, a type of orange blossom, the added element draws in all your senses as you come upon the Hall of Mirrors (a perfect opportunity for a quick selfie or two).

Unlock the golden gates and take a tour of Versailles.

Golden gild gates with marble statue in background

Unlock the golden gates to explore the world of Versailles

The exhibition is divided into ten rooms, exploring the lives of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI, with each section painted to reflect the walls of Versailles.

Unlock the golden gates and take a virtual tour of Versailles. Take in the grandeur and expanse of the Palace and tour the magnificent gardens. The video lays the plans for what you are about to see inside the exhibition.

The first rooms take you through the period of Louis XIV, the Sun King, his vision for Versailles and the work of architect Louis Le Vau and showcasing the master craftsmanship and style of the French.

Large detailed floor carpet, and wall tapestry.

The craft of French style

A change of scenery for the reign of Louis XV, eggshell blue walls hunting desks and beautiful chairs. As a landlocked estate, the hydraulics and mechanics behind getting water to Versailles are explained. Then you enter the fountain room with the spectacular marble centrepiece – Latona and her children, by Gaspard and Balthazard Marsy.

A labyrinth maze, with a collection of garden animal statues, leads to fine paintings of the gardens of Versailles, and how they were used for hunting, theatre and lavish parties.

Pale blue room with wall paintings and harp.

The world of Queen Marie-Antoinette

The final rooms are from the reign of Louis XVI and his Queen Marie-Antoinette. The pieces are lighter, more delicate. The striking portrait of Marie-Antoinette by Louise Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun is in the centre of the room, with her gilded harp by her side.

The pieces displayed are exquisite, and showcase the royal courts support for French arts. From the fine workmanship of the tapestries, portraits of nobility, marble statues and decorative furniture, showcasing the luxurious lives of the French monarchy and the royal court.

The exhibition includes over 130 objects, allow time to take it all in. To enhance your visit, try one of the audio guides – there is an adult or child guide available in English or French; a music tour and Auslan tour.

The exhibition is very family friendly.

The family fun room is filled with activities for all ages.

The exhibition is very family friendly. The family fun room is filled with activities for all ages. Build topiary’s for the garden, play dress-ups. Unleash your creative side, add a decorative shard to the chandelier, make a wig to wear, a statue for the fountain or some additional lines to the tapestry weaving.

Located at the entrance to the gallery the family play room does not require an exhibition ticket for your child to immerse themselves in the grandness of 17th century France.

The gift shop is stocked with dress-ups to take home, a range of books for all ages, fine silk scarves to pop-culture inspired Marie-Antionette, her shoes and a pug. You can also fill your basket with items from the providore – champagne, jams, oils and baking essentials.

Versailles: Treasures from the Palace brings to Canberra the power and passion of French political history. While Australia’s history may not share the decadence of this period; we are similar, we both have cities that were both originally designed for the running of government – Versailles and Canberra.

Versailles: Treasures from the Palace will be on at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra until 17 April 2017 (closed Christmas Day).

See the National Gallery of Australia website for information about tickets to Versailles: Treasures from the Palace and details of special events throughout the exhibition.

On social:

Instagram: @NationalGalleryAus
Facebook: @NationalGalleryofAustralia
Twitter: @NatGalleryAus
Tag: #VersaillesNGA #NGAPlay

If you are visiting Canberra for the exhibition check out some of the accommodation options on Hotels Combined, and don’t forget to tag #SoFrankSocial during your trip, so we can share your Canberra region experience.

Wrong Way Time at the National Gallery of Australia

Lifestyle - Fran - April 23, 2016

The National Gallery of Australia’s latest exhibition Wrong Way Time showcases leading Australian contemporary artist Fiona Hall, featuring works from the gallery’s own collection and the original artworks exhibited at the 2015 Venice Biennale’s Australian Pavilion.

Starting her career as a photographer in the late 1970s, Fiona Hall expanded her repertoire into painting, sculpture, garden design and film. She is not limited with the range of art forms, or by the material incorporated and used to construct her artworks, using bread, driftwood, bank notes, and even sardine tins; an item that she is prominently known for.

The materials Fiona Hall uses include shredded US dollar bills

She put together the first room; a dark walled, methodically and thoughtfully lit room, in just 18 months, and created the 1000 pieces it holds from scratch.

The space and lighting is used thoughtfully to make each artwork shine

First impressions are of being in a museum of natural history; with cabinets enclosing artworks in the centre of the room, and the walls adorned with clocks and found items. This is a verbatim replica of the room displayed at the 2015 Venice Biennale with the original works and cabinets shipped directly from Venice. The room is based on the 19th century cabinets of curiosity idea, and with every look you see something new and different.

The cabinets are filled with curious artworks

I found myself moving in close to pull apart artworks with my eyes and see the raw materials and techniques used in their creation. This gave me an appreciation for the artwork itself and the ideas behind it. The exhibit is meant to be viewed clockwise, and there are no labels, ensuring that you are not distracted by names, but rather immerse yourself in the work. Fiona Hall works with and develops environmental, political and social ideas. She displays them subtly, conveying a strong message that is relatable and valued.

While the majority of works are created by Fiona herself, she worked with women from the Tjanpi desert weavers group to create pieces for the work Kuka irititja (Animals from another time), where they used natural grasses, camouflage gear, twines, buttons and other fibres and materials to build native animals. The animals are all placed on bird books (British Museum’s General Catalogue of Printed Books: Ten-Year Supplement, 1956-1965).

Kuka irititja (Animals from another time 2014)

Her most famous work that are part of the National Gallery collection are her sardine tins called Paradisus Terrestis and can be found in the second room. By contrast, this room is flooded with light, the white walls drawing you in to the artwork in a different manner to the first room. Here, you can appreciate Fiona’s earlier work and the foundation for her most recent artworks. She doesn’t discard ideas; she develops them and returns to them like an old friend that ages well with time.

Fiona Hall’s earlier works are a foundation and influence for her works today

Paradisus Terrestis (Sardine tins artwork)

When you visit, we have a few things for you not to miss in that first room:

stare at the grim reaper shadow
count the US dollar notes (and their serial numbers)
savour the bear rug
marvel at the sardine tins
wait for the clocks to chime
look through the looking glass
count the animals in the corner
watch the floor stand time,
find the Spiders and the crickets
look for the 13 cue ball
find all five dice

Wrong Way Time can be seen at the National Gallery of Australia from 22 April until 10 July 2016.

Price : Free

On social:

Hashtag: #WrongWayTime #FionaHall

Instagram: @nationalgalleryaus

Facebook: National Gallery of Australia

Twitter: @NatGalleryAus

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Posts for National gallery of Australia

NGA’s latest exhibition, Monet: Impression, Sunrise will brighten your day during winter 2019

What you need to know

Monet’s Tea Salon

National Gallery’s ‘Francesco 2017’ by Urs Fischer – See it before it melts away

Stunning pieces will glitter in NGA’s March 2018 blockbuster – Cartier: The Exhibition

How do you normally pick the pieces for an exhibition when you work with Cartier?

So how different will the exhibition coming to Canberra in March 2018 be to exhibitions that have been to Australia before?

Ever?

Do you have a favourite piece that will be part of the exhibition in March?

Exploring Versailles at the NGA

On social:

Wrong Way Time at the National Gallery of Australia

On social:

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