1. National Gallery of Australia's XU ZHEN® Eternity vs Evolution
Xu Zhen is a Chinese artist and activist who primarily works with sculpture-based installations, video and performance. His work aims to question cultural taboos and the commercialisation and commodification of art. This is his first solo exhibition in Australia. Bookings are essential and timed tickets can be ordered on the NGA website: nga.gov.au.
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While you are at the NGA: Consider seeing The Body Electric and Belonging: Stories of Australian Art.
2. The National Portrait Gallery: Darling Portrait Prize
See the winner and finalists of the inaugural Darling Portrait Prize at the National Portrait gallery. The darling portrait prize honours painted portraits by Australian artists. This year's winner was Anthea da Silva for her painting Elizabeth, a portrait of renowned contemporary dancer Dr Elizabeth Cameron Dalman, OAM. The exhibition also features work by Darling Portrait Prize finalists. Bookings are essential and can be made at the National Portrait Gallery website at portrait.gov.au.
While you are at the National Portrait Gallery: While the permanent exhibition is still closed, consider viewing the National Photographic Portrait Prize and the Ngalim-Ngalimbooroo Ngagenybe (From my women) exhibitions.
3. Canberra Museum And Gallery: Martyn Jolly's Phantasmagoria
Take a trip to the uncanny valley with this new exhibition at CMAG. Artist and art historian Dr Martyn Jolly has collected a series of eerie phantasmagoric images. These are images that feel "unreal" that were featured in magic lantern shows during the 19th century. Dr Jolly completed a PhD on fake photographs and photographic affect in 2003. He began collecting these images to help others understand and appreciate the magic of these images. CMAG is open to the public with a limit of 20 visitors at one time.
While you are at CMAG: Consider seeing two other exhibitions on display: Building a Life: the Jennings Germans story and Seeing Canberra.
4. Museum of Australian Democracy: Truth, Power and a Free Press
It is the perfect time to visit MoAD's new permanent exhibition on Australia's media landscape. The exhibition includes stories from well-known Australian Journalists. It also features objects that illustrate Australia's media history. The exhibition outlines the importance of a robust press for a strong democracy. Bookings are essential to visit MoAD during COVID-19. Free passes can be ordered at moadoph.gov.au.
While you are at MoAD: Visit Behind The Lines 2019, celebrating the best political cartoons of 2019.
5. Lanyon Homestead: Outdoor Tour
The historic landmark has reopened, and is now offering 30-minute COVID-19-safe outdoor tours. The main homestead, however, is still closed. The tour covers historic landmarks in the precinct surrounding the homestead. Tours run from Wednesday to Sunday at 10am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm. Bookings for the tours can be made at historicplaces.com.au.
While you are at Lanyon Homestead: Picnics are allowed in the gardens of the homestead.
Julia Kanapathippillai
I like writing fascinating stories about Canberra. If you have a tip or a story email julia.k@austcommunitymedia.com.au
I like writing fascinating stories about Canberra. If you have a tip or a story email julia.k@austcommunitymedia.com.au
