Biennale of Sydney

We spent a freezing cold and windy day at Cockatoo Island visiting the artworks that make up the 18th Biennale of Sydney. Discovering the artworks in and around the many varied structures on the island was delightful and I would definitely like to revisit for a weekend of glamping in Spring. Several works stood out including the magical experience of Philip Beesley's complex and interactive Sibyl (bottom two images) and Sachiko Abe's meditative Cuts Papers #13.  I'm looking forward to visiting the other two main venues of the Biennale very soon.

Hanging with our nephew

A few weekends ago on a beautiful sunny Saturday Ad & I took Oscar to Red Coats and Convicts at Hyde Park Barracks. While Osc was a little frightened by the muscats firing (check out his bottom lip in the first pic) we had a fun time patting the animals and making bricks.

Afterwards we popped across the road to admire the Archibald Fountain, it appears to be a favourite of Oscar's. We spent a fair time watching the water spray and chatting about the statues, the turtles are definitely the coolest according to Osc.

Vivid

Vivid is a highly photographed event but here is my contribution in case you haven't already seen enough. I was fortunate enough to wander down to the harbour on a fine Friday evening and join the crowds in viewing this wonderful spectacle. It is amazing what all of the artists created, the projection on the Opera House was mesmerising and the interactive works around the foreshore engaging.

Barrenjoey Lighthouse

A beautiful but windy Anzac Day spent swimming, eating fish & chips and walking up to the lighthouse.

Chinese New Year

We gathered together with my husband's family to celebrate the Year of the Dragon with a Chinese feast in Eastwood. I ate the yummiest scallop ever and we were very generously given red pockets (even though we are married)!

Wendy Whiteley's Garden

We went for a wander through Wendy Whiteley's Garden today which is looking very lush due to all of the recent rain.

Merry Christmas

The Martin Place Christmas tree.

Sunshine

Although the sunshine has now disappeared here is a little reminder of the fleeting glimpse we had a few weeks ago.

Fifties Fair

Here are some of the Fifties Fair frivolities at Rose Seidler House. For a couple more pics capturing the day take a look at Tess took it.
 

In the city

Catching up with friends for dinner or a drink after work is what I am enjoying about working back in the city. I also love the hustle and bustle of the busy streets and pockets of calm that can be found.

Zara

Zara opened in Sydney a couple of weeks ago. Having this Spanish fashion chain in Australia is a big deal!

I hope the crowds have died down as I am heading there tomorrow to check out the store and pick up a couple of pieces for my winter wardrobe.

Four x shows

I had a fabulous weekend visiting galleries and seeing shows.

I popped along to my cousin's exhibition opening at Oh Really Gallery, Enmore 'Interupted Focus', paintings by six artists. His work was of course the best (I may be biased but I also have an art history degree and have worked in the arts so I think my opinon counts for something!). I purchased a piece and can't wait to take the new addition home and add it to my collection.

 
Ad and I popped over to the Opera House to see Bell Shakespeare's production of 'Much Ado About Nothing'. It was enjoyable (not ground breaking) and it was great how we identified with the Italian elements of the play that this performance emphasised - it's amazing how travel can assist you with relating to different things!

Then it was off to some stand up comedy at the Comedy Store. Not really my thing but Ad persuaded me to go along with him and his friends. It was surprisingly ok and I laughed a fair bit!

On Sunday I visited White Rabbit Gallery with two of my lovely friends. It was so great to catch up over dumplings at the Teahouse and then wander through the amazing contemporary Chinese art. It is really difficult to fathom that it has all come from one family's collection.

30

I turned 30 with two parties, four cakes and lots of food & fun with friends & family!

Bbq with extended family on a rainy Sunday afternoon.

Birthday lunch at the Greenhouse by Joost before viewing the 

Annie Leibovitz exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

 

Exquisite dinner with friends at Pendolino.

Grasshopper Bar

On Wednesday night I headed into the city for a drink with some good friends. We found Grasshopper Bar tucked away in a Sydney laneway with a Melbourne vibe. A lovely bottle of french wine was ordered even though cocktails seem to be their forte. As it was bustling inside we perched ourselves on the milk crates outside (not very comfortable) and enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and happy attentive staff.

From our position in the lane we had a fabulous view of Newell Harry's Circle/s in the round for (Miles and Miles + 1) which is a part of the City of Sydney's Laneway Art that is on display until the end of January 2011.

It was a lovely evening and next time I'll definitely be trying the restaurant's limited menu of French cuisine which smelt amazing!