Exhibitions in the Romp

Landed. Back in Brissy. Sitting in my one-size-fits-none seat and still buckled in an aerosol was activated… Best I can surmise is that some sort of bug spray so that no cross contaminants will occur between Indonesian and Australia. As the plan docks at the terminal, I could feel the exhaustion of a holiday in Bali. Brisbane’s airport offered a unique remedy – an actual shower facility in their bathroom near the baggage carousel. Much needed after a flight.

Queensland Museum 2019

Anna met me along the way somewhere I have long since forgotten. Picked up my heavy luggage from the O’Sullivan’s place in Enoggera and said short and to the point farewells. Anna at the usual helm manually driving her car through Brissy and us talking about how to spend my final day in the city. There was one place she’s yet to show – The Queensland Museum Kurilpa. Located near Brissy’s arts district called West End this facility hosted an eclectic collection of exhibitions. Perfect to replenish one’s creative needs. Or simply to wonder through the various rooms and corridors in silent wonderment. Yes, folks its worth admission. Yes, folks I don’t remember much due to time elapsed since and the exhaustion felt (unarticulated and acknowledged at the time) went well beyond the need of a nap. Each one had their own unique blend of artistic presentation coupled with commendation on the human condition. As with most “good” art, all is subjective to the perspective of the individuals experience.

Queensland Museum 2019

 
Whilst there were many exhibits that caught our mutual attention. The room with the many microphones that had almost inaudible dialects cued in, and the mini projects house filled with Macabre rooms as examples. 
 But my most memorable experience were stations which mirrors had been placed in between benches so two could sit on opposite sides facing each other. There for a moment or maybe a multitude of minutes we sat as we mimicked our movements and diverted from any mimicry.

 
As Anthony Bourdain once said, “We are all different… We are all the same.”

 

Queensland Museum 2019

Time passed. I have not seen Anna since she dropped me off at a train station after a stroll and lazy lounging about in a random park somewhere in the city of Brisbane, Australia. One step in front of the other, with luggage on my back and in both hands, I boarded the train, and back to the airport I go. Exhausted. Embitter. Exhausted. Ultimately, Frustrated about my unsuccessful attempts at relocation to Australia. I went anyway. My options were becoming as limited as my dwindling bank account. Boarding pass, check. Safety briefing, check. Feeling the aircraft taxi to the runway and lurch forward – All familiar flight sensations now. The nuance and excitement all but gone. The plane turned and headed to Townsville, Queensland… Maybe I can at least cross off a bucket list dive or two – The SS Yongola and the Great Barrier Reef after I land.

©Dustin Casey 2024