I visited Queensland's Gallery of Modern Art last friday and immediately my phone was shooting off. Welcomed by a celebration of food projects, it sure felt like 'Harvest' (title of current exhibition - until 21 September, free admission) season. I was definitely ready to dig into the crops. Love at first sight, the gorgeous fruit landscape of Shahbazi's Still life: Coconut and other things, took my breath away by its enormous 2D dimension and of course vibrant fruit colours (that could well be identified on a luxurious Hermes scarf). Without a doubt, I absolutely had to take a photo in front of it - resulting the shameless both-hands-in-the-air, cheesy smile photos you see below. Here's a too-much-love/accidental moment: security guard told me to step in front of the canvas a bit more because I was too close to it. Michel Tuffery's Povi tau vaga (The challenge) left a deep impression. From afar you may have recognised the cow and applauded the artist's cow-resembling-work artistry. However the moment you step closer and see what it's made of, you'll find yourself staring at a raging bull, plastered with aluminium, corn beef tins, which are held together by rivets. A mighty creation with a powerful message. Last but not least, I simply could not forget one of Ai Weiwei's artworks that I witnessed on the 1st floor of the gallery. It was Coca Cola vase 2011, a Han dynasty vase that had been destructed by a huge, red Coca Cola advertisement label. This seemingly 'destructive' act questioned the value of an object once placed in a new situation. Han dynasty ceramics were regarded highly because of their 'refined lines, elegant proportions and the quality of their glazes', which was defined and thought of by the art market. Yet once the vase is re-configured with 'Coca Cola', the historically precious status of the vase is disrupted and new contemporary values are placed upon it. Shirana Shahbazi. Still life: Coconut and other things 2009. Robert MacPherson. Mayfair: (Swamp rats) Ninety-seven signs 1994-95. Michel Tuffery. Povi tau vaga (The challenge) (detail) 1999. Luo Brothers. Untitled (Children with lemonade bottle/Baby and tiger/Kirin beer/Children with storks) 2000. Tracey Moffatt. From First Jobs series 2008. Martin Creed. Work no.189 1998. Nam June Paik. TV cello 2000. Emmett Williams. Sense Sound 1955. Song Dong. Stamping the water 1996. Ai Weiwei. Dropping a Han Dynasty urn 1995. Gosia Wlodarczak. Personal Space Southeast Walls: 78x4=312 2004. Giuseppe Chiari. Eight opera graphics (portfolio) 1975.
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Last Wednesday morning, I saw more than just Shanghai dumplings on a lunch date with Grandma and mum. Walking from Queens Plaza to Queen St Mall, Bridge End, I came across a food market that very much resembled London's Borough Market - paellas, colourful produce, reds and greens, honey, French treats (macarons!), blooming flowers, fresh air, blue sky and a river right in front.
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