When the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, also known as GOMA, opened its doors in 2006, it became an integral part of the diverse array of artistic offerings present in the Queensland Cultural Centre of the South Bank precinct. Since then it has added a second building to become the largest gallery to feature both modern and contemporary art in the entirety of Australia, a major distinction considering some of the other cultural centres the country has to offer. And visitors to this major metropolitan area can’t afford to pass up this beautiful complex and the many eye-catching exhibits it has to offer. If you’re at all interested in viewing works created both by local artists and internationally acclaimed icons of modern arts movements, then GOMA can provide you with just the sort of mentally stimulating diversion you seek.
For starters, GOMA can act as a gateway to modern art in Australia, a relevant topic not only for those who call the land down under home, but also for tourists from all over the world looking to get an authentic taste of this magnificent country and the arts and culture it has to offer. Exhibits by local artists are constantly changing, so a trip to this popular museum could yield a new experience every time you visit. But if you’re wondering what you might find, you could discover exhibits as varied as photography and art detailing the life of the indigenous peoples of Australia, a collection of quilts and patchwork, glassworks, hats, and even interactive projects meant to help children and adults engage with contemporary art installations. GOMA also houses a cinematheque for video exhibits. In short, it is here that the artistic culture of the country culminates in modern works designed to delight, inspire, and start a conversation.
The artistic range provided by this modern museum isn’t limited to local artists, although they’re certainly on display. Also present are a variety of traveling exhibits from around the world, with offerings from such well-known names as Henri Matisse, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Anish Kapoor, Albrecht Durer, and pop art icon Andy Warhol, amongst others, passing through these soon-to-be vaunted halls (exhibits vary, so check the website at http://www.qagoma.qld.gov.au to see what is currently on display). Whether you’re looking for photography, sculpture, collage, surrealism, impressionism, expressionism, Dada, or any of several other forms of modern, post-modern, and contemporary art styles, you’ll likely find your fix when you pay a visit to GOMA.
Of course, like most museums, GOMA also features permanent exhibits, including collections from influential Australian artists, galleries of important international pieces, and a large Asian offering that displays both traditional art from the cultures of Asia, as well as collections that highlight the confluence of cultures present in Australia. In addition, there are a slew of programs and events available at any given time, including offerings for kids, GOMA Talks featuring guest panels discussing issues in modern art, Up Late social gatherings, and New Wave workshops for emerging and aspiring artists. Whether you want to spend a pleasant afternoon perusing modern art treasures or you’re looking for something more interactive, GOMA has a lot to offer. Make it a must-see stopover when you visit the bustling city of Brisbane.
