National Gallery of Australia in Canberra (& Hyper Real exhibition) [NSFW]

National Gallery of Australia in Canberra

An exceptional highlight of my Trip to Canberra has been the visit to the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra. I could have spent so many more hours there… Besides their main exhibitions, their (then) current temporary Hyper Real exhibition definitely inspired me. Visiting cultural and art-focussed museums has grown to be one of my favourite activities in yet unknown cities and countries. Art expresses so much, more than a thousand words could tell. You don’t always necessarily need to study an art piece long enough to understand the artists’ intention, I believe an own interpretation is equally important (I’m sure some will disagree…).

Still, I feel so uneducated regarding traditional aboriginal dot paintings and art, yet by wandering through a bit of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collection, I finally understood the art a bit more. It’s the largest in the world which comprises over 7500 works and displays, with “The Aboriginal Memorial” as the most memorable one, in my opinion. It is an installation, right by the entrance of the museum, of 200 hollow log ceremonial coffins from Central Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory of Australia. It commemorates all the indigenous people who, since 1788, have lost their lives defending their land.
Another highlight of my quick visit to the National Gallery of Australia was the paintings by Albert Namatjira. He actually is one of Australia’s most known artists and has fascinated me with his colourful and timeless captures of the Australian landscape. His exhibited paintings are all so detailed and colourful and definitely don’t feel like they are already more than 50+ years old.

Something completely different has been the Hyper Real exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia. Unfortunately, It was on display only until February 18th, however, the pieces will travel to other Cities worldwide now. For more Info, check out the website with an overview of all the involved artists here. Hyperrealism, paralleling photorealism in painting, began in the 1960s and 70s when a number of sculptors became interested in a form of sculptural realism based on a vivid and lifelike representation of the human figure. From kinetic sculpture to bio art, this exhibition extends our perception of what constitutes the hyperreal.

After a visit, make sure to pay the “hidden” Sculpture Garden at least a brief visit. It’s located in the back of the building and a great experience (and photo location…) is the James Turrell Skyspace right nearby the main entrance to the National Gallery.

Address National Gallery of Australia

Parkes Place E
Parkes ACT 2600
Australia
Website: www.nga.gov.au

Pictures of my visit to the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra & the stunning Hyper Real exhibition

National Gallery of Australia Canberra

The Aboriginal Memorial National Gallery of Australia Canberra
The Aboriginal Memorial
The Aboriginal Memorial National Gallery of Australia Canberra
The Aboriginal Memorial

National Gallery of Australia Canberra

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collection National Gallery of Australia Canberra
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collection at National Gallery of Australia Canberra
Albert Namatjira National Gallery of Australia Canberra
Albert Namatjira at National Gallery of Australia Canberra
Albert Namatjira National Gallery of Australia Canberra
Albert Namatjira at National Gallery of Australia Canberra
National Gallery of Australia Canberra
National Gallery of Australia Canberra
If I was White it would be okay to claim to be White. If I was White I wouldn't have to claim to be White just to get a job.
If I was White it would be okay to claim to be White. If I was White I wouldn’t have to claim to be White just to get a job.
Zharko BASHESKI Ordinary man 2009-10 HYPER REAL National Gallery of Australia Canberra
Zharko BASHESKI
Ordinary man 2009-10 HYPER REAL at the National Gallery of Australia Canberra
Patricia PICCININI Eulogy 2011 HYPER REAL National Gallery of Australia Canberra
Patricia PICCININI Eulogy 2011
Two workers 1993 © Duane Hanson/VAGA. Licensed by Viscopy, 2017. Stiftung Haus der Geschichte der Bundesrepublik Deutschland HYPER REAL National Gallery of Australia Canberra
Two workers 1993
© Duane Hanson/VAGA. Licensed by Viscopy, 2017. Stiftung Haus der Geschichte der Bundesrepublik Deutschland

HYPER REAL National Gallery of Australia Canberra

Sun YUAN Old people's home 2007 HYPER REAL National Gallery of Australia Canberra
Sun YUAN
Old people’s home 2007

Sun YUAN Old people's home 2007 HYPER REAL National Gallery of Australia Canberra

Sun YUAN Old people's home 2007 HYPER REAL National Gallery of Australia Canberra

Sun YUAN Old people's home 2007 HYPER REAL National Gallery of Australia Canberra
Sun YUAN Old people’s home 2007
Maurizio CATTELAN Ave Maria 2007 HYPER REAL National Gallery of Australia Canberra
Maurizio CATTELAN
Ave Maria 2007

Maurizio CATTELAN Ave Maria 2007 HYPER REAL National Gallery of Australia Canberra

Sam JINKS Woman and child 2010 HYPER REAL National Gallery of Australia Canberra
Sam JINKS
Woman and child 2010
Ron MUECK Pregnant woman 2002 HYPER REAL National Gallery of Australia Canberra
Ron MUECK
Pregnant woman 2002
Patricia PICCININI The welcome guest 2011 HYPER REAL National Gallery of Australia Canberra
Patricia PICCININI
The welcome guest 2011
Patricia PICCININI The long awaited 2008 HYPER REAL National Gallery of Australia Canberra
Patricia PICCININI
The long awaited 2008
Patricia PICCININI Meadow 2017 HYPER REAL National Gallery of Australia Canberra
Patricia PICCININI
Meadow 2017
Patricia PICCININI Meadow 2017 HYPER REAL National Gallery of Australia Canberra
Patricia PICCININI
Meadow 2017
Evan PENNY Panagiota: conversation #1, variation 2 2008 HYPER REAL National Gallery of Australia Canberra
Evan PENNY
Panagiota: conversation #1, variation 2 2008
Evan PENNY Self stretch 2012 HYPER REAL National Gallery of Australia Canberra
Evan PENNY
Self stretch 2012
Mel RAMOS Chiquita banana 2007 HYPER REAL National Gallery of Australia Canberra
Mel RAMOS
Chiquita banana 2007

About

Outdoor Lifestyle Blogger Lisa JoyDellaVita

Lisa is a Blogger for more than a decade now, sharing her adventures exploring the world on JoyDellaVita, as well as excursions into the culinary world, sustainable choices, how to live a healthy active lifestyle but overall, how to enjoy a life full of joys.