Museum Muse

After dropping los gemelos ( i.e the twins) at kindergarten the other day I decided to treat myself. Three whole hours with only one child? Why, I could do anything........I could plot to take over the world (cue the maniacal laughter.... mwah ha hah ha ha). Or I could visit the museum and be back in time for tea!

Which is exactly what I did. The latter. (Phew! I hear you all sigh in relief.)Baby Joe obligingly fell asleep to the not so gentle rocking of the bumble bee tram and I was able to wander about and look at what I wanted to first, before  taking him to the dinosaurs.

The women with clever hands was a glorious journey through indigenous weaving and beading that was simply breath taking. No photo taking allowed here but I got this image from the museum website.

Women with Clever Hands

Gapuwiyak Miyalkurruwurr Gong Djambatjmala

Until 28 Aug 2011

Joyce Milpuna Bidingal, Coiled basket (detail) 2007

                                           

An exhibition showcasing Aboriginal fibre work.

Women with Clever Hands features fibre work by women artists from Gapuwiyak in northeast Arnhem Land. The exhibition features baskets, bags, mats, sculptural figures and jewellery.

These beautiful works combine simple, functional shapes with intricate design, fine detail and subtle colour, all of which reflect the complexities of their land and their culture.

Too true. Exquisite weaving in really interesting rich colours. Navy, green, orange, yellow red and purple. Sculptural pieces. Huge circular mats. Some beading with seeds so tiny it would take magic to pierce them and not split them. I mean really mind bogglingly tiny seeds.

Judy Baypungala | Wurlaki people NT b.1941 | Circular mat (detail) 2004 | Twined pandanus palm leaf with natural dyes | 307cm (diam.) | Purchased 2005. Queensland Art | Gallery Foundation Grant | Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | © Judy Baypungala 2004. Licensed by Viscopy, Sydney, 2009 |

The mats were mesmerising as an abstract visual. Just hypnotic. The delicate work and stories attached really deserve some time to take in. Perfect for while Joe slept.

In my further wanderings I went to the Top Designs exhibition from the talented young things in year 12 last year. Important for me to see because my eldest is in year 12 this year and doing four folio subjects, including textiles and fashion. All the time, effort, cutting and pasting now makes more sense to me.

  As Joe woke, we checked out the Melbourne through history displays, pretended to be in the late 1800’s in a Lonsdale Street cottage (the small proportions of which made even little me feel like a giantess!) and then gazed in nostalgia and appreciation at the display of John Rodriquez textiles from the sixties and seventies. You’ll all be familiar with the Scandinavian inspired style, the birds, the apples, the flowers and the colours – so much of it in style again now.

But you can see more of the collection from the comfort of your own internet device here.

Then, for Baby Joe's amusement, it was on to see the dinosaurs and animals – which I must say, I found completely inspirational and gave me the impetus to get a wriggle on with a re-sew-cool idea I’ve had for some time. Will show you all the results soon! 

All in all a perfect afternoon. I think Joe enjoyed it too.

posted by Julianne sisteroutlaw