Go With The Flow

I'll jump off anything. A bridge, a roof, a ladder, my desk (it's been done - usually on Fridays in celebration of.....Friday!). I love the feeling of falling, hurtling towards the earth with the view rushing passed me on its way to meet the sky.

As such, carnivals with rides, theme parks with roller coasters & adventures with risks are my thing. Well all except things that go around. You know, the rides that go around & around & around....as does my stomach! Tragically struck down by the harsh affliction comically referred to as motion sickness, these rides are my nightmares.

"We're not going on the merry go round! Lets go on the giant drop or roller coaster again".

My sister doesn't even believe I like heights. She thinks that I just really hate things that go around & will do anything to avoid them.

"She also hates things that rock back & forth & back & forth. Remember that time she got sea sick on the jetty & that boat trip where she threw up 14 times in 2 hours & ...."

I can't deny it. These are not things that inspire me! So imagine my confused joy at discovering a new interactive art piece taking pride of place at the NGV. Whilst my blip looks more like a Dr Who Dalek in drag, it is actually part of the spectacular 2014 Golden Mirror Carousel created by German Artist Carsten Holler. A full sized carousel which patrons are invited to interact with, ever so slowly turns through the shards of dappled light piercing the gallery's ceiling. Touted as an unexpected sensory revelation in art, the carousel carries us into a gleaming, gilded, looking-glass reflection asking us to reimagine how we move through this world. It is beautiful, inviting, joyous, melancholy & peaceful all at once.

Did I go on it?
Of course!! How could I turn down the privileged opportunity to explore such art.
Did I like it?
Most definitely and I told every person I met insisting they go on it too.
Was I sick afterwards?
Yep.....but it was worth it!
(Oh & to my advantage, their were still remnants of the zombie shuffle & Melbourne marathon was on so I didn't even look that pale!)