Australia - Brisbane - Southbank and Falling to the Earth

After two weeks in Sydney, I couldn't let my travelling wings go! I had to get out and enjoy my freedom, as I was probably not going to be able to have it for a while once I started working.

First stop on the trip, Brisbane. I decided to go a few days earlier, and stay with Heather and her family. I had travelled with Heather through Cambodia and Vietnam, and so was excited to see her again, even though it hadn't been long!

When my family came to Oz on holiday, we had visited Brisbane, as this was where my Dad lived when he was living here. I have fond memories of this time, especially Southbank.

I met Heather, dropped my bags off at her house and then went to explore more of Southbank.

As usual, I am drawn to the Modern Art Galleries of cities and Brisbane's is no exception.

The Cai Guo-Qiang exhibition was the most fascinating. Falling Back to Earth.

According to the exhibition website "Eucalyptus 2013 responds to the ancient trees of Lamington National Park in the Gold Coast hinterland." I loved how the artist was able to position the tree in such a way that it told a story about it's life. He had saved it from being carved up or disposed of.

The most interesting part of the exhibition was Head On. Description on the website "...is a striking installation of 99 artificial wolves leaping en masse into a glass wall, on display in Australia for the first time." The blockade represented the Berlin Wall, and the wolves who were trying to get through were the Berliners stuck in the Communist East. The exhibition depicted that although they were being prevented from passing through, they kept going regardless.

Again, as the website says 'Heritage 2013 — features 99 replicas of animals from around the world, gathered together to drink from a blue lake surrounded by pristine white sand, reminiscent of the lakes of Moreton Bay’s islands.' I liked this room a lot, and there was a single drop in the centre of the lake. It made this lovely ripple effect. The purpose of this exhibition was taking life back in time, back to before technology and industry came into play. A reminder to look after our planet and the species who live on it. 

The rest of the gallery had some interesting parts too.

The weather began to clear up, and blue sky began to shine through. I went and met Heather and we browsed the fashion markets. I actually bought a cool budgie print.

Back in Heather's Queenslander house, which is like a treasure trove of things from all over the world. Each piece has a story behind it, where it came from and how is came to be on the wall or sitting on the side.

I especially loved the vintage tins.

The next day we got up early and headed to Coolangatta for Heather's husband to surf and for us to have a brekky.