Bridget McDonnell Gallery

It’s hard to judge a gallery fairly if you don’t enjoy the work being exhibited — it’s a bit of a problem I have with Bridget McDonnell as I’ve been there twice now, and didn’t particularly care for either exhibition.
This old building on Rathdowne Street looks like it could have originally been a house or doctors rooms — although the windows are high, they’re quite narrow and facing a busy road so there isn’t a huge amount of natural light, nor is it a particularly peaceful setting. The second exhibition I saw here was in the evening, and I felt the gallery had a much better atmosphere at night.
One thing I really do enjoy about Bridget McDonnell is the quirky little sculpture in the back courtyard that’s part of the permanent collection — this hose-​baring squiggly wire fellow gave me quite a fright on first sight (he’s like a three dimensional shadow) but once I realized what was going on I couldn’t help but smile. If you’re in the ‘hood, stick your head in just to see him.

If I’m ever in need of inspiration or of a good kick up the backside to do some work I find that a visit to a local gallery will always do the trick.
Tucked up on Faraday street in Carlton is the Bridget McDonnell gallery which specialises in early and modern Australian art with a strong focus on indigenous art.
The point of the gallery is for people to eventually purchase some of this incredible art, but if I had the money to do that I sure as hell wouldn’t be writing these reviews. Nevertheless, the gallery staff don’t seem to mind a Saturday afternoon inspirational browse.
Definitely worth a visit.