I might have missed all but two of my own art classes last term, but that doesn’t mean I’ve deprived myself of colour while I’ve been travelling.
From Monet to Bonnard and Rembrandt to Rone, my recent Melbourne weekends have been arty indeed.
Monet and Friends at The Lume
This exhibition blew my mind and my senses. At times it felt as though we were part of the art rather than just looking at it. Complete sensory immersion. Loved it.
Monet and Friends has now finished at the Lume but if you get the chance elsewhere in Australia, it’s absolutely worth the money.
NGV – The National Gallery of Victoria
With a whole Friday to myself, I spent most of it looking at pictures…
Perre Bonnard at NGV
Not your average art exhibition, this one features Pierre Bonnard, a painter celebrated for his use of colour in everyday scenes. His paintings here are presented within immersive scenography by Paris-based designer India Mahdavi.
Rembrandt True To Life at NGV
While at the NGV I checked out this one as well. Consisting mostly of etchings, Rembrandt’s absolute mastery had me speechless.
Street Art
I’ve lost count of how many posts I’ve devoted to Melbourne street art over the years so this trip I skipped the usual suspects (eg Hosier Lane – check out a downloadable street walk map here) and went looking for something a tad different… and found it in the Flash Forward exhibition – a connected network of laneways and artists. From installations, digital displays, and acoustics to murals, it’s worth checking out the downloadable map.
New since my last visit is the Upper Westside arts precinct – on the corner of Spencer Street and Little Bourke. The art here is gob-smackingly good.
Shadow Spirit
Part of Melbourne’s Risen Festival, Shadow Spirit held in the abandoned rooms above Flinders St Station was thought-provoking.
To be honest, there was a lot we didn’t “get” but the stories we did understand were powerful. After all, isn’t that the thing about art? To help you open your mind?
And Anyways... 
Oh I am so jealous! I have been wanting to see that Monet exhibit. I love his works and seeing them projected so large sounds amazing.
I hope you get the opportunity to do so…
Absolutely right, and wonderful images, Jo. My sort of day in my favourite Australian city.
I felt so self-indulgent doing it, but it’s been such a long time since I could wander around and look at pretty pictures without any time restrictions.
Hi Jo – I’d love to go to the Monet exhibition – if it ever arrives near me I’ll have to make a point of getting up to Perth to see it. Loved all the street art – people are so clever aren’t they?
I think it’s travelling around (in Brissie at the moment) so hope you get to see it…
Wow — you found a lot of colours! You saw a lot of art, so that will help you create art when the time is right.
Fingers crossed Bernie. I used to be a member at our national gallery and go regularly, but it’s been many years since I looked at art for its own sake.
So envious of your trip to Melbourne! I haven’t been since 2019 and miss it! Lots of cultural activities for you! Is the Monet you saw the same as the Monet in Paris that is currently in Brisbane and I’m hoping to get to? Looks fabulous! Loving the look of the work by Pierre Bonnard too! Wow!
OMG! I absolutely love your stunning, bright, artsy photographs. And its great post to go with it. Very uplifting!!!
I think the Van Gogh immersive exhibit has visited El Paso and I missed it. How I would enjoy being immersed in the art of Monet!! Will keep my ears open in case it makes it way here.
Love the colorful columns. The scenography – new media for me – art showcasing Bonnard’s paintings. Like a double feature!!
The street art in black and white lines reminds me of scrimshaw as does the sculpture inside the abandoned building. Such delicate lines. El Paso’s street art has upped its game. Everywhere I go these days, I am inspired by it.
Monet was the first artist I really liked – in my early 20s and I bought some artwork for my walls – $100-200 at the time which seemed a lot in 1992-93. I love the full wall images and it must be so surreal in person. I think my taste has changed though. I’m definitely not a fan of the Rembrandt pics you’ve shared but don’t mind some of the more eclectic work of Perre Bonnard there.
Those multimedia exhibits are breathtaking. I have been to two. If you ever go to NYC, there is a museum there dedicated to multimedia exhibitions. Enjoy your travels!
Melbourne is just the coolest! I love it all, especially the Monet and the street art. I have whiled away many hours at the NGV, it’s such a gem.
I’m dying to get to the Bonnard. I have points and a free hotel room so I really should….and I cancelled my Melbourne trip when I caught COVID so……You’ve sold me!! And I love Adnate. So much Great pics! #WWandP (Test)
Melbourne IS the place for street art and I loved my couple of visits too. Last weekend I finally got into Sydney and did my “I’m back” day to see the Art Gallery. I did a quick look through, had morning tea (delish) and then to the NEW kid on the Art Block. I think I will need to post about the day. I need more art-experiences and will visit more. You did a fab job with your visit to Melbs! Goodness me, I am late in my reply to your post for Wednesday’s Words and Pics. Thank you so much for being part of the community! Denyse.
Hi Jo, you’ve really captured the vibrancy and cultural heart of Melbourne with this post! What a delight to see all these exhibitions through your eyes, thanks so much for sharing 🙂