A provocative and immersive art gallery has opened in Collingwood. Museum of Desire lets go of the inhibitions of regular gallery spaces to curate the works of artists who riff on all that is risqué. There’s digital art, sculptures, photography and film by local and international makers who invite you to be the voyeur.
The Write Drop spoke to Co-Curator David Strong from The Museum of Desire for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
Melbourne. It’s home. It’s a way of life. It’s not a particularly pretty city, but everything it lacks in beauty it makes up for in culture, it’s a vibrant city. Full of great coffee, food, bars, shows, ideas, art and sport. We love an event in Melbourne. The seasons make Melbourne tick and mostly, I love Melbourne people. The fact that we can open a Museum about Desire, Love and Lust and it is fully embraced by our city indicates just what an open and culturally interesting city Melbourne is.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
Last European summer we went to a Trattoria style Nonna’s kitchen in San Gimignano in Italy with our family. I had a really simple Gnocchi. It was a great reminder that your favourite food memories are often simple and about the moment, the people and the place.
FAVOURITE BAR
The back bar at Ciccolina in St Kilda for a bottle of wine. It’s an old favourite. Ciccolina is one of my all-time favourite restaurants in Melbourne and its back bar is the perfect place to start or finish an evening.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
I asked this question to one of my oldest mates who lives hospitality, arts and festivals. He shot back this answer in seconds. You’re a Manhattan. That’s probably fair – Whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters – pretty much sums me up.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
Hydralyte and Vegemite toast
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Bar Peripheral in Pulteney St in Adelaide. It’s a bespoke cocktail bar, they ask you questions about flavours you like, then they make exceptional cocktails based on the answers. You will try things that are designed especially for you.
OVERSEAS BAR
If you want something truly unique try the Helipad in Kuala Lumpa. It’s literally an old helipad on top of a skyscraper in KL.
FAVOURITE WINE
Chablis – Domaine Seguinot -Bordet. Great wine for when friends drop over.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Stonier on the Mornington Peninsula. Total reinvention under new ownership. Absolutely worth visiting – try the Reserve Chardonnay.
NEXT DESTINATION
Sydney – I’m speaking at Remix, a culture technology entrepreneurship conference.
What’s the inspiration behind the curation program at Museum of Desire
There is such a global shift towards mixing art with entertainment and we were looking around the world and thinking nobody has really tried to do that in a live space with themes of love, desire and sex. I created the Museum with my partner Correne and we have both spent most of our careers surrounded by artists, and we knew artists often draw on themes of love, lust and sex in their work. Yet there are very few places you can experience that art. So, we thought ‘what if we created a space that celebrates desire? We wanted to give people access to a program, works and installations that explored these themes in a really fun and entertaining environment.
What can people expect to find at the Museum of Desire?
It’s a great experience, people enter through a giant vulva, then they drop into a series of interactive exhibitions and artworks. There is a laser harp that makes orgasm noises, a boobie ball pit, a room dedicated to pubic hair and artworks from Australian and International artists. It’s a fascinating place and great for sparking conversation.
Museum of Desire
92 Rupert St, Collingwood.
https://museumofdesire.com/melbourne/
