Postcard from Melbourne, Australia: The David Hockney exhibition at the NGV

This is a new type of blogpost: a postcard from Melbourne, prompted by our visit to the NGV to see the David Hockney Exhibition.

We are currently ‘on holiday’, visiting family, but wherever we go, Anne and I always make a point of seeking out art galleries, museums and gardens.

What’s on in Melbourne?

The NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) in Melbourne, Australia, is currently hosting a David Hockney Exhibition. It’s just across the road from the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens and both are walking distance from the famous Federation Square, opposite Flinders station.

We have to catch the 86 tram to get into Melbourne and it takes about 30 minutes. The ride is interesting enough, looking at the various architectures en route.

What did I think of the David Hockney exhibition?

The day we visited the David Hockney exhibition, it was particularly hot and we were glad to be inside, in an air-conditioned space.

I had seen a similar exhibition at the Royal Academy in London, but this one included animated film of Hockey creating his masterpieces using an iPad. It was truly inspirational.

I have only been an iPad user for three years and, although I have the ProCreate app installed for a while now, I had not really come to grips with the opportunities it offers to artists.

So, since our visit to NGV, I have been ‘playing’ with ProCreate on my iPad. I don’t suppose for a moment that I’ll ever publish a finished piece emanating from this new technology – I’m far too old to change my spots! – but I can see how much David has achieved since he embraced this format.

Is it worth your visiting this exhibition?

Even Anne, who is not overly impressed with modern art, was mesmerised by the many animations. Or perhaps it was just her tactic to stay in the cool environment?

The exhibition is on until 13 March and I recommend – if you are within striking distance of Melbourne – that you take time out to visit this glorious display of so many of David’s paintings, including more than 20 portraits.

This post is one of my POSTCARD series, sharing all things ART with you when I go travelling.