Two fantastic exhibitions - one free, one to save up for!

Two exhibitions after the art course today.

Absolutely wonderful collages by Marzia Colonna at the Portland Gallery, on until 23 November. The web images, and the catalogue photographs give no idea of the intricacy, texture and structure of the collages. The artist paints her own papers and then uses them in cut and torn strips plus representational shapes to create the work. Very inspirational and free, just press the buzzer on the door. My favourites were, 

Then on a completely different scale, to the Royal Academy to see Oceania, a collection of works from the Pacific Islands, on until 10 December. Beautifully staged, with superb, deep saturated colours on the walls, that really set of the exhibits. The curves and sweep of the canoes in the first room are stunning and are followed by a series of rooms each emphasising a different aspect of the multitude of cultures in the Pacific Islands. Several pieces of textiles, both practical and ceremonial are of interest, particularly the bark cloths.

If you do go, be aware that the video installation “In pursuit of Venus( Infected)” by Lisa Reihana is 64 minutes long.

If you are a pianist, you can book to play on the red,  carved Steinway concert grand piano, called  He Korero Purakau mo te Awanui o te Motu: story of a New Zealand river, by Michael Parekowhai. When I visited, someone was playing a selection of songs from the  Pacific Islands.

Tickets are £20, £17 with an Art Pass, but well worth it.