Impressions

First impressions of the new Auckland Art Gallery: fantastic. I really think they put out the silverware this time, if not gold. It's a design that speaks of many things at many levels - since seeing the scale model of it I was impressed at the complexity of the spaces, the exhibitionary and public use factors. At life size, you can see how the architecture frames the park and city beyond, the details are precisely tailored. It presents the new - the fresh new gallery that will serve for many years to come - and it is something we can be proud of.

Some details that I found on my initial walk around: the stone floors have little fossils in them, adding a touch of the ancient really grounding the experience; the Flower Chandelier by Choi Jeong Hwa of South Korea was a joyous piece that pulsated slowly (via pneumatics, air inflation); pieces of the old French style building are hidden in the corridors.

I can't wait to check out more and see the art in both galleries!