Week 32... I think

This weekend happened to be my birthday weekend!! It was a great full weekend. On Saturday I decided to head out to the National Art Gallery with Miss C. If you've never been, well I dont know how I feel about it. This is my second time visiting within the last 3 years. The first time I happened to go with The Sculptor (Named so since he actually is an artist... a sculptor to be exact). It was nice back then, he brought me to the National Art Gallery and explained all the pieces to me including his very own piece. It feels great to hear first hand the point of view of the artist who created the pieces himself. It was also the top 30 under 30 (?) (I think) exhibition and had really amazing exhibitions.


(Entrance to National Art Gallery)


(In the lobby)

This time around though they're showcasing a lot of Nationalistic themes as well as Islamic art since its the fasting month. They also had closed down the third floor galleries as well as one on the first floor and in typical Malaysian style never even mentioned it to us nor did they put up any signs to say it was closed. I fel that the art was a little too ... literal and didnt bring much depth. Even though Im not a 'serious' art critic, it was definitely not up to my expectations.


(Miss C and the peace sign)


(The Art exhibition in the middle gallery)

From the outside the building itself looks a little run down with the roof tiles not being well maintained. Its quite sad since inside I thought it would be great to do little events and gatherings there like we used to do at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Of course this being Malaysia and the National Art Gallery being the 'National' space, I dont think they would be big on doing events especially if it also involves serving alcohol. Though as pointed out by Miss C, people who drink alcohol would be the big spenders.


(This reminds me of the Vatican stairwell. Would be great to do an event here, but of course... no one would allow it)

The galleries themselves could also be done a bit better. There was a video exhibition being shown but the lighting and the wall made it almost impossible to actually see the video. Another thing I learnt from The Sculptor, the floors at an art gallery should never be relfective since it detracts from the piece itself.


(They really should do a better job)

My verdict? Sometimes the National Art Gallery may have good exhibitions that I would truly recommend, but otherwise, other art galleries may be better - I really do like the Petronas art gallery, and Wei-Ling gallery also has some pretty cool stuff, including a very interesting set-up.

As for Sat night, I spent the night meeting up with girlfriends from high school. Its been a while since the four of us got together and we decided to head up to Changkat Bukit Bintang for some drinks and ice cream!! at Bar Italia (have I mentioned how much I love the gelato there, and dont forget to head to the rooftop).

Best birthday day? spending the whole day pampering yourself by bringing yourself out shopping followed by a nice 1.5 hrs massage (courtesy of a free coupon). Went home for dinner and received my birthday presents from my parents.
1) A standing fan
2) A mini sewing machine

Yay! I know, not typical birthday gifts but I was really aiming for practical gifts this year since I didnt want them to waste money on things I might not like.

And then today, this came for me!



Made me smile all day =)