Bye Bye Biennale

Monday 30 June

I can safely say that we have had a great 4 days in Sydney and that the Biennale is a fantastic event.

Everyone has taken a little something home with them - something they have picked up over the last 4 days and has been firmly etched into their brain.

Friday seems like so long ago now - with the historical works at the AGNSW giving a good lead-in. The MCA provoked some good thought and Sue did a great job of getting us to ask questions - on the premise of "observation before criticism". Their were some standout works here, the Alexander Calder mobiles included.

Some of us were taken by the gallery visits after the MCA.

Thanks to Sarah Cottier, Vassily Kaliman, the Sherman Foundation and Ros Oxley for letting us into their worlds and sharing their information and knowledge with us. Finishing the day with a glass of wine talking with Ros and seeing a few of the things in her stockroom was a real privilege.

Cockatoo Island is an exceptional heritage trust park - and the fact you can camp there - $45 per night I believe makes it just a fantastic place. While the art is incredible as part of the Biennale the history and state of the island is an eye opener in itself.

Today we visited Utopia gallery, where Brian gave us not only an introduction into the current exhibition but a veritable masterclass in the history of the Aboriginal Art in the Papunya area they specialize in. It was a privilege to see works by many of the leading artists, and they just kept coming and coming.

What a way to finish off our tour.