I’m enjoying my leave from work however I thought I would be more active. I’ve taken on the role of a sloth all I want to do is sleep, eat and walk the dog.
But it should come as no surprise I usually juggle three jobs and Celebrate Living History and that can take its toll on my body. Plus, it has been hot most of the time we don’t have air-con so it’s a struggle to do anything or want to go anywhere. I also have enjoyed the freedom of not wearing a mask if I don’t go anywhere.
Yeah, ok those are my excuses! I needed to get out of my little world and I decided to go on a date with myself. Not just any date but a creative one where I would indulge my senses full of art and fun stuff.
I needed a spark and being exposed to some of the greatest artists is always a good way to do that.
First up on my list was Rising: Patricia Piccinini A Miracle Constantly Repeated which was held at the Flinders Street Station Ballroom. I’ve always been fascinated by this hidden section of Flinders Street Station and wanted to explore the ballroom which is more than a century old and closed off to the public since 1958.
The ballroom was designed in 1899 by James Fawcett and H.P.C. Ashworth and previously the only way to explore this Melbourne icon was to take part in a lottery held by Open House Melbourne in July. Knowing my luck I would never get an opportunity to win a private invite so the next option was to attend the Rising exhibition where anyone who purchases a ticket can explore.
Entry to the exhibition was like stepping back into time. I have walked past the entrance many times but never peered into the blackness to soak in the detail of this arched stone structure, it was like an echo of a glamourous past where I imagined people in feather boas and top hats laughing waiting to enter.
The entrance is a stark contrast to its neighbor Boost Juice which is full of colour and people wanting to soak in the healthy juice lifestyle. Defiantly modern-day side by side with the grand history of the city.
Going through the entrance I had to show my COVID 19 proof of vaccination and get my temperature checked. There are no backpacks allowed so I had to make a stopover to the NGV (National Gallery Victoria) and get my bag checked for free. If you can’t be bothered to walk across the road from the station, you can store your backpack at Travellers Aid Australia located inside Flinders Street Station for $6.50 a day from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm seven days a week. I also had to wear a mask to roam freely through the rooms.
I felt somewhat unrestricted with just my phone in my pocket but I also like to read my book on the train so I can never be without a backpack on public transport!
I was given the option to either walk up the stairs or jump on the lift. I chose the stairs as it was a good way to soak in the rustic architecture of the staircase.
Walking through the doors of the exhibition was like merging my two loves history and art in the same space. Peeling paint and peeking wood echoing throughout the corridors left behind from eras gone past. I could imagine another world where this space was used as a place for education for railway staff where they did night courses, read books and worked out at the gym.
I also imagined the public dances that would have taken place in the ballroom where people may have met the love of their life swinging away to a jazz tune. Lots of laughter and movement on a social occasion in the heart of Melbourne.
Now in the modern-day, I was exposed to the artwork of Patricia Piccinini an Australian artist who has spent close to three decades exploring humanity’s relationship to technology and the environment. It was somewhat eerie to see her majestic sculptures fused with human features throughout this historic space. Looking into the eyes of Patricia’s creations it felt like these characters could come to life. In particular, an overweight dolphin hugging a child when I looked into the eyes of the dolphin, they sparked inviting me into an undersea world of a place that is yet to exist. Where humans and dolphins can be fused in harmony.
While exploring the exhibition, I felt like I was intruding on an intimate moment when I entered a bedroom featuring a hybrid couple snuggling in bed. It was weird as it was so realistic all the little details representing that of a human fused with the past and the future in one space.
I liked Patricia’s sense of creative freedom and vision of an alternative future which was fitting of a historic space full of so much life. The past meets the future. I’m looking forward to seeing what will next happen with this magnificent architecture of Melbourne history. Who knows what the space will become next? For me, it would be wonderful to restore the ballroom to its former glory to be filled with fun and laughter. Dancing to some modern beats. Just maybe that’s where I will meet the love of my life on the dance floor. Well, a girl can always dream. Who knows what the future will hold?