by Ruby Jinga

Created on: April 28, 2008   Last Updated: November 25, 2008

I am a fan of art galleries. When in a new city, I try to pop into the local art gallery for a look. There's something soothing about the quiet space and art on the walls that are pleasing to the eye.

I first visited the Art Gallery of South Australia 8 years ago, when I was a student at Adelaide University. These two great institutions share the same strip of land on North Terrace, along with the Museum and Library. Housed in a grand-looking building with pillars in the front, it is one of my favourite places in Adelaide. Admission is free so it was a bank account-friendly way to spend an hour or two in between lectures.

My favourite part of the art gallery is the first part, where the older paintings are displayed. These are pretty works of art, depicting a more relaxed way of life. I don't quite get the installation of black crows on the floor, set in a circle, seemingly pecking the ground. What are they doing? Is it meant to be clever? Am I meant to laugh?

In an effort to encourage the younger generation to go to the art gallery, it has introduced an event called depARTure. This is held on a Friday night once every few months, and coincides with an exhibition. The last one I attended was when the Eygption exhibition came down from the Louvre. There is lots of food, drinks and live entertainment. Tickets range from $25 to $40. I always have a good time, and they even give freebies as you leave. One time I had a foot rub, which was very much appreciated as I had been on my feet the whole day, in a pair of heels. I think this is an excellent way to open up the gallery to a demographic that wouldn't necessarily think of it as a place to go to on a Friday night. The next one I am attending is called Handle With Care. Apparently there will be carbon neutral beer on offer - I might have to give that a try!

I think I live in a society that downplays culture - or the appreciation of it. It seems to be deemed uncool or snobby to like art, foreign language films or literature. Or maybe I'm hanging out with the wrong crowd! Whatever it is, I soldier on, and go to plays, the opera, the art gallery with a handful of like-minded friends.

If you have a local art gallery, do pay it a visit. It opens your mind to the world, its beauty and for me, it drives home how small a part of it I am.

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