As you might remember, on the 20th of every month we have a volunteer outing. This month, we went to the Art Gallery of NSW, where we got to see the new North Building.
Only opened in December, the North Building is known for being the most significant cultural development in the city since the opening of the Sydney Opera House nearly half a century ago.
Here’s what was written about this project:
A new standalone building, public art garden and revitalised historic building brings together art, architecture and landscape in spectacular new ways, with dynamic galleries, site-specific works by leading Australian and international artists, and extensive outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy.
And it did not disappoint.
We first met volunteer Dilli just outside the museum, where she explained the meaning behind these large people-like sculptures. Turns out, all of these sculptures have a big person and a small person, and the big person is always depicted as helping the small person. This is meant to symbolise us helping each other, which I thought was sweet.
As you’d expect, the inside of the beautiful gallery did not disappoint either. On the lower levels, rammed earth was used to construct the walls using materials sourced from across the state.
Meanwhile, on the upper levels, glass walls were placed to create views across the Royal Botanic Gardens and Sydney Harbour. There are also courtyards and rooftop terraces.
Dilli took us through a few of the galleries. One of them showcased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, which I thought was very special.
I was a celebration, an appreciation, and sometimes, a poignant reflection. I hope you will take your time when you visit this gallery.
Another highlight of mine was the gallery that was all around the concept of home. There were many rooms inside this gallery space questioning our idea of what a ‘home’ is.
This is a quote I saw in the space that got me thinking:
“You pile up associations the way you pile up bricks. Memory itself is a form of architecture.” – Louise Bourgeois
There was also something in this gallery that reminded all of us of the Gucci exhibition. You’d have to go see it for yourself to see how it relates to home!
There was one gallery that Dilli kept recommending all of us to go after the tour, and that was at the Tank.
At the bottom floor and below the building, a World War Two naval oil tank has been converted into a 2,200-square-metre space, named the Tank.
The unique underground space has seven-metre-high ceilings and is currently showing an exhibition by Adrián Villar Rojas, called The End of Imagination.
Think dark space, moving lights, large installations, found objects, and an immersive experience. You must go and see it yourself.
This was already my third time at the North Building,and I have to say, I learned so much more from this visit than I did on all my other visits.
While we were all having coffee in the beautiful cafe (and Dilli kindly joined us too), I was reflecting on just how valuable volunteers are. Dilli was the one who brought the artworks to life by sharing the stories of the gallery, the artist, and other artworks.
On behalf of all of us, thank you Dilli for such a wonderful tour of the Art Gallery of NSW’s new building!
Jessie Wang
Volunteer Program Partner