Arriving at TarraWarra Estate it is obvious that there is a curator at work.  From the gate you are greeted with the work of Clement Meadmore (Awakening) which introduces you to the TarraWarra Museum of Art with gusto and pride.  The stunning contrast of the piece against the natural beauty of the property has you wanting to pull over and take a minute to appreciate the craftsmanship and talent of the artist.  The ‘wow’ factor doesn’t end there.  You will be left with your mouth open in admiration and gaze lifted to the heavens as you take in the dramatic nature of the Museum court yard.  Designed by architect Allan Powell, the exterior of the building is the perfect blurb to an experience of art appreciation. 

Stepping inside the museum you will quickly become aware that every curve, every wall and every piece of art is placed with deliberate precision and intent.  The very windows of the building are designed to frame and exhibit the scene beyond for your viewing pleasure.  You will be greeted by staff that are as passionate about the pieces of work hung on the walls as the artists themselves.  It is with this pride and passion that they will share insights to the exhibition on show at the time, leaving you with an appreciation for the gift of the Museum you did not possess when you stepped into the building.

The TarraWarra Museum of Art is a gallery that stands confidently among the great galleries and museums of Melbourne.  The original owners gifted the building and a portion of their substantial art collection to the Australian people under the Australian Government’s philanthropic measures in 2000.  The Besen’s wanted the people of the Yarra Valley to have a Museum they could be proud of and enjoy without the need to travel to the city.  This is an amazing couple who have gifted so much of their heart and soul so that the public can enjoy and appreciate art in a setting that is inspirational and peaceful.  I want to take this opportunity to thank the Besen’s for their gift and foresight.  You have enhanced the experience of the Yarra Valley with your generosity and work ethic.  I truly loved visiting the TarraWarra Museum of Art and am looking forward to a long love affair with your property.

Art: Judy Watson, Spine

Sculpture: Clement Meadmore, Awakening

Art: Ben Pushman, Scar 44

With exhibitions changing every 3-4 months, this is an ever evolving experience.  Currently on show is Panorama Part 2.  It is the second installment of the exhibition I was blessed to see.  The amazing pieces depicting landscapes of this Great Southern Land.  It was breath taking, haunting and challenging all at once.  With so much history to be explored I was left pondering the effect of European settlement on the original land owners of this country.  The addition of the Judy Watson exhibition the scarifier, focusing on the plight of the Aboriginal people from the Coranderrk Aboriginal Station, topped off a history lesson I was not expecting, yet was so grateful to receive.  The entire experience was unexpectedly eye opening and emotionally rewarding, with the voices of the artists echoing for days to come. 

Judy Watson, the scarifier

Art (R to L): Danie Mellor, Bayi dambun bala mila /Daniel Boyd, Untitled/ Rosalie Gascoigne, Promised Land

Judy Watson, the scarifier

You must take advantage of this generous gift and visit the TarraWarra Museum of Art.  For more information on current/upcoming exhibition and entry fees please see the link below:

www.twma.com.au

Please note: All photographs in this blog post were taken at the Panorama Part 1 exhibition which ended May 15 2016.

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