MASTERFUL MONA

Museum of Old and New Art

Isn’t it interesting how some things really polarise people. One of those polarising things appears to be MONA. Before we actually managed to get there we had an enormous amount of advice about the place from an abundance of very differing individuals. Interestingly, the most popular advice was ‘not to bother’ – ‘not worth it’ and ‘gross’. One man actually told us that he found the art there not to be art al all but mere pornography! Many more people told us that whilst the art was not worth seeing, the building was worthy of a visit. Well, we have long believed in seeing for ourselves, so off we went to MONA.

Wooden Tepees at the Rear of MONA

We could have gone to Hobart and caught yet another catamaran back up the Derwent to MONA, but seeing as it is situated roughly half way between New Norfolk and the city we decided instead to simply drive there. MONA is an interesting array of buildings perched on a promontory of land on a broad stretch of the Derwent River. It is surrounded on the land-side by vineyards, golden at this time of the year, and on its remaining 3 sides by the river. The buildings appear to consist of accommodation, conference facilities, a theatre and of course the Art Gallery itself. The grounds contain a number of quirky pieces, including wooden tepees, a wrought iron concrete truck and of all things, a tennis court. The buildings are built from unusual materials including what appears rusty iron plate, sat at odd angles, uncomfortable to the eye. The entry to the gallery itself is mirrored and once again challenges the eyes and optical perceptions.

Unusual Building Materials Set at Odd Angles

Once inside you disappear into a labyrinth of limestone passages, tunnels and caves, all seemingly dug out of the land, creating a living theatre for the art. The gallery is essentially set out on three levels give or take a few odd angles and ramps, but unlike the usual building the 3 levels do not rise up into the air, but instead are sunk deep into the earth.

Mirrored Entrance to the Gallery Tricks The Eyes

The walls are largely exposed limestone rock – impressive and quite awesome in appearance. The art is ....................different. Very different! I must confess that in general it was not my cup of tea, but it was interesting to say the least. Much of it was confronting dealing with subjects generally left out of conventional art galleries – sex, death, and other diseases would be the best way to describe it perhaps. I didn’t ‘love it’ but I did find it interesting and some of it very quirky. The gallery utilises every surface and space as grist for the mill and odd things popped up around us as we wandered, fascinated, through those dark passages. Technology was not left out of the art on display and an amazing waterfall which dropped gem like water drops in the form of words was quite amazing and mesmerizing. I was quite surprised that DD also enjoyed his MONA experience. It is good to see a venue where the more alternative artist can confidently display their work.

Golden Vineyards Stretching Away Towards The Ever Present Hills

The place attracts a wide variety of people and there were a fair number of what could be loosely described as ‘pretentious arty- farty types’ wandering around looking superior and pontificating loudly. The people were part of the experience. All in all we really enjoyed our visit, and would suggest you go and find out for yourself what all the hue and cry is about.

Until our next encounter, be open and fair minded. Stephanie.