Unique exhibitions are usually fun. This one is that. Governments and their representatives give each other gifts on all sorts of occasions. Some of them are kitch and others are great works of art. This exhibition in the upstairs gallery at Parliament House contains over fifty well chosen examples of gifts given to the Australian Government on certain occasions.
The objects range from beautiful small ceramics to large modern rugs. There are delightful wall hangings and, statues, jewellery and works of art. These works of art include a portrait of Ms Gillard done in coffee beans and a pencil sketch of Mr Abbott. Lots of the gifts reflect the culture of the giver and others of a global culture. One wall has a set of plates from lots of people and places on which their picture, their name and or their city or location is imprinted.
It is a small exhibition but was fascinating and was in the right place for this type of material. Enjoyable.
http://www.aph.gov.au/Visit_Parliament/Parliament_House_Art_Collection/Exhibitions