Exploring the Arts in Perth

My friend, Teri, discovered a bargain even George can appreciate - free City tours every weekday. We explored the cultural offerings of Perth last Tuesday on the Art City tour. In addition to fellow Americans, Sherri, Nancie and Teri, we were joined by My from Kuala Lumpur, Olga from Russia, and our Aussie tour guide, Lindsay. My was enjoying an annual break from her busy family with a holiday by herself and Olga was spending a year touring Australia alone. We were like a walking United Nations.

I enjoyed the tour although it was a hot day. You'd think I'd learn to bring my hat but left it as it was cool and cloudy when we left Freo.

The three of us lunched beforehand and took a quick tour
of London on our way, London Court, that is.

I love the philosophy on this Bavarian building -
No minute comes ever back again.
Take heed & see ye nothing do in vain.

This decoration is typical of the gorgeous and
unusual holiday decorations downtown.

This Aboriginal art mosaic depicts creation of the Earth and the battle of two snake warriors. It contains over 10,000 pieces of marble embedded in the plaza concrete.

This sculpture is formed from one piece of rare Australian marble and rests on a bed of water, constantly rotating. It represents the world and weighs a literal ton!

This view shows the full sculpture and a glimpse of Perth life.

This work, entitled the Caller, is open to interpretation but,
since is was done by a German who escaped Nazi rule,
I prefer to think the figure is calling for freedom.

I agree with Lindsay's opinion that this sculpture deserves to be displayed on a pristine beach. The patina on the metal gives the piece a rich look you can't see in this photo.

These shots are from Earth From Above, an

international outdoor exhibition traveling the world.

It's tough to compete with Nature for beautiful outdoor art.

For some reason, this one intrigued me. I don't
think of Aussies as having low self-esteem!

What a beautiful place for a work of art!

This pagoda houses four fountains,
each representing a piece of Oz history.

Images like these span the top of a brick wall and
relate the cultural history of Perth.

My told us the Chinese characters mean happiness but
are upside down. Guess the artist wasn't Chinese!

Olga translated the Russian and Greek for us but I don't

remember what she told us. Senior moment! It had
something to do with building the railroad.

My is my kind of woman! She sought shade at every opportunity and salivated every time we passed a gelati shop or a pub. We were both rewarded with cool drinks at a pub at the end of our tour with Nancie, Sherri and Teri.