Quantum For Solace ~ The Art Gallery of New South Wales

“One can have no smaller or greater mastery than mastery of oneself”

~ Leonardo Da Vinci

The Art Gallery of New South Wales Gallery is one of Australia’s foremost cultural institutions and holds a significant collection of European, Australian and Asian art.

Admission is open to the general public and is free of charge. The best way to get to the gallery is to take a slow walk and wander from the Sydney Botanic Gardens along Mrs Macquarie’s road to The Domain. The gallery holds more than 40 exhibitions each year and generates a huge amount of popularity and interest among art lovers.

The works of the great European masters on permanent feature at the gallery include Monet, Matisse, Cezanne, Van Gogh and Rembrandt to name just a few. Among the important works of great Australian artists include those of John Coburn, Robert Dickerson, John Olsen, Jeffrey Smart, Sidney Nolan, Pro Hart, Fred Cress, Brett Whiteley and Margaret Olley.

The gallery has recently added a new section which holds a significant collection of Asian art, intricate statues, calligraphies, porcelain, traditional and modern paintings, crafts textiles and artefacts. The collection covers artworks from China, Japan, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesian and many other countries within the continent of South, Southeast and East Asia. Other sections within the gallery include a contemporary art collection which features Asian, Western and Australian art in all media forms from both established and emerging artists.

To encourage an appreciation of art among young artists, the gallery is doing a great job in holding art fairs, competitions and educational tours for kids and school children. Art students find the gallery to be a practical and participative forum as well as an invaluable resource to extend their knowledge and research into their art projects and studies.

Each year, works from the all important Archibald Prize are displayed at the gallery and open for public viewing. The gallery’s effort in promoting an interactive and informational experience for art lovers include a team of curators and experts as well as audio headphones with running commentary of a significant amount of works on display.

Located on an elevated position at The Domain, the gallery enjoys scenic views of the harbour. Art lovers are often seen having coffee at the cafe and restaurant which overlooks Woolloomooloo bay. This is a perfect place for a few hours of solace and to be lost in a fascinating world of beauty and enchantment.