It’s 1pm on a Wednesday. I’m on my lunch break and I’m standing on a plank in a darkened room, trying not to lose my balance and fall into the water below. I’m surrounded by mirrors and a series of blue, yellow and red lights suspended from the ceiling, which in their reflection seem to stretch on forever and ever. The electric colours against the darkness of the room make me feel as though I’m in my own music video (think Justin Timberlake, Rock Your Body). Only I can’t sing or dance that well and I’m standing beside a friend from work and two complete strangers. One of whom dips his feet in the water below, just to re-assure himself that the water really is there and not just an illusion.
No, this isn’t a Freudian reference to how I’m feeling about work at the moment. I’m literally standing on what can only be described as a plank in a darkened exhibition room at the Museum of Contemporary Art. I’m in the Infinity Mirror Room: Fireflies on the Water, an installation space in the Yayoi Kusama: Mirrored Years exhibition.
Kusama is one of Japan’s most celebrated artists with her work being showcased across the globe and now, here in Sydney at the MCA. As a child, Kusama experienced hallucinations and obsessive behaviour, often seeing polka dots in her hallucinations. Later in life Kusama was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and it’s this theme of obsession and hallucination that can be seen throughout her work. A highlight of the exhibition is sitting in the I’m Here, but Nothing installation. Kusama’s childhood as she saw it was obliterated by hallucinations of dots and in this space she recreates that feeling. A simple, family living room is covered with dot sheet and ultra violet fluorescent light giving the room a psychedelic, out-of-this-world feel.
It’s one of these regular lunchtime detours that for me, make The Rocks precinct such an inspiring work environment. Where else can you go for an hour on your lunch break and see a lounge room lit up like a nightclub?
The week continues and as Friday lunch rolls around, all I can think about is Sunday morning... Sunday morning rain is fallin. Steal some covers share some skin… Although it sounds a little like I’m day-dreaming of a rendezvous with Adam Levine, I’m actually strolling through The Rocks Farmers Markets and listening to the strands of this week’s featured band. You may have heard about The Rocks Markets that are held ever weekend, selling jewellery, artwork, clothing and homewares? Well the Farmers Market is a relatively new addition to the family, selling fresh local produce. Each of the market stalls displays their food miles so you can tell just how fresh and ‘local’ their produce really is.
The market strip on Argyle Street comes alive each Friday between 10am and 3pm, with the band setting the backdrop for a relaxed, carnival vibe. The café’s lining the strip are filled with al fresco diners, the florist is bursting with colour and the baker is doing a roaring trade as the smell of fresh bread floats down the street. Yummo!
As the working week draws to a close and I’m stocked up on fresh fruit and veg for the weekend, it’s time to meet some friends for the time-honoured tradition of Friday night drinks. The Rocks always draws a crowd on a Friday night, given the large number of bars and hotels in the area. You can take your pic from pubs like The Australian and The Harbour View, the bar scene at The Argyle and even some German fare at the Lowenbrau Keller.
Tonight, I’m in one of The Rock’s newer venues, Wine Odyssey. It was recently opened by a group of three businesswomen (girl power) who are passionate about promoting Australian wine and it’s for this reason that Wine Odyssey stocks only boutique Australian wine. They’ve made the venue accessible for all levels of wine drinking. If you’re a novice, simply grab a tasting card for example, Pinot Noir, follow the sampling suggestions and taste to your hearts desire. The card will tell you what scents and flavours to look for and what role they play in the wine. Know your stuff? Let the experienced Sommeliers’ talk you through the menu and match the perfect wine to your meal.
But tonight, it’s Friday, and I’m here to have a gas-bag with the girls, to relax and welcome in the weekend. It’s in one of the decadent interior-designed rooms I find myself relaxing in an arm chair, having a wine and chatting the night way. What a way to end the working week.
When was your last visit to The Rocks? There’s always something happening for visitors and locals alike, so why don’t you pay a visit and re-discover The Rocks? Click here to find out what’s on this week.
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