We had a day out at Federation Square yesterday, first going to the Rupert Bunny: Artist in Paris exhibition. The top picture in the collage to the side was Keira’s favourite picture (‘Portrait of the Artist’s Wife’, 1902) – thanks to the cute dog. A Jack Russell, if I’m not mistake? My favourite picture, ‘Mrs Herbert Jones and her daughters Hilda and Dulce, 1903’, unfortunately, cannot be located online. It struck me for his use of blacks and greys. My second favourite picture is the second here, ‘A Summer Morning, 1897’. I didn’t get to look at the exhibition for as long at I would’ve liked, as the kids got a bit wriggly (and Riley proclaiming when there was a nude: “I see boobies!”). We were warned by the guards to please not go too close to some of the pictures, for they were alarmed. The paintings, I mean. Not the guards. Well, I hope not …
{I also recommend the VCE Art exhibition just across the floor. Fabulous work there.}
Next was ABBA World. This was a real treat; a real get-your-money-and-times-worth. It has it all – films/documentaries, music ephemera, set constructions, interactive games and quizzes, dancing, costumes, pictures. A fitting pop-culture celebration of a pop-culture phenom. It also embraces the technological: if you register your ticket at the start, all your data gets stored for up to a week and you can download all your activities, scores, pictures etc. at home.
The rest of my photos here: Riley was entranced; ABBA’s ‘Waterloo’ costumes from Eurovision; the ‘Arrival’ helicopter; I couldn’t help getting this shot of a Leonard Cohen poster. That’s another thing about this exhibition – it also gives you a flavour (to no doubt put into context) what other music was popular at the time.
There are lots of stairs and levels to navigate, though, so bear that in mind if you tire easily, or have small children (Keira was tired by the end). Toilets are very accessible (thank goodness).
Rupert Bunny: An Artist in Paris is open until July 4th, so you still have some time to go see it. And I have something lovely for you guys, two tickets to go see ABBA World. These are valid until July 4th. To enter all you need to do is leave a comment below, preferably telling me what is your favourite Abba song? For I am curious like that! I will keep this competition open until 12pm Wednesday 23rd June, because I want to get the tickets in the mail in order the give the winner as many days as possible to arrange to go.
Our day out yesterday – and these giveaway tickets- came courtesy from Nuffnang Australia. Thank you very much!
And guess what we did when we got home? Watched Mamma Mia! for the 1,056th time.
