The art of football

Federation Square is the ginchiest cultural precinct in the world.

It houses the National Gallery of Victoria’s amazing Australian art collection and stunning temporary exhibitions.

You can watch all genres of film in Melbourne’s most advanced cinemas at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image.

Dispelling any notion of cultural elitism, Fed Square also hosts key sporting events on the big screen, recreating the sellout stadium excitement for those not in a position to attend the actual game.

Today the AFL Grand Final drove the crowds nuts. The only improvement I could think of would have been if instead of the Channel 10 commentary we could have listened to Roy and H. G.’s irreverent banter on Triple J.

- Have you ever seen the shit come out of a Sherrin?
- How much is in there?
- Gallons.

- He might have hurt himself. He kicked himself in the head… which is hard to do.

The thousands of roaring fans masked the disappointing error filled first half where even the great Barry Hall couldn’t convert a point blank shot for goal. All was forgiven when the Swans and Eagles served up an amazing nail biting one point finish.

This is the art of football at its best.

Ring, ring

 

 

Wander down Flinders Lane and at the end of a narrow cul-de-suc opposite Anna Schwartz Gallery is an array of unreachable public phones – high up the wall – continually ringing through a set of speakers placed at the laneway entrance.Those willing to explore the dark corners of our city are rewarded by such unexpected delights.

Canaries invade the GPO

Outside, the flying rats may be pecking at inadvisedly scattered bread crumbs (then shitting them out on passers by), but inside it is a scene of wonderful order – caged birds dangling above our heads – chirping for the pleasure of upmarket shoppers.

Edward Hopper lives!