Friday Nights at the NGV run every Friday from 7 November 2014 until 6 February 2015.
The nights provide access to the NGV exhibitions, with the main draw card for this series being Jean Paul Gaultier (JPG). What makes the nights special is that they are coupled with a live gig, performed on many occasions by outstanding headline acts. In my opinion, the nights are easily the best way to soak up what the NGV has to offer.
First, the exhibition, it is stunning! Although over the years I have come to expect stunning from the NGV team. There are over 140 pieces on display in several elaborately crafted exhibition rooms. Each room provides a different perspective on JPG and explores how he crafted his talent and fused what he saw in the real world onto fabric. Whilst the collection of haute couture garments aren’t something that you would slip into for a casual outing his innovative boundary pushing style has had a cascading impact on fashion the world over.
Photo courtesy Brooke Holm
One of my favourite exhibitions was ‘Punk Cancan’. The pieces transported you to 1970s London and the punk styles of the time. It was something entirely different to JPG’s prior styles and demonstrated how he was influenced by his surroundings and untethered to traditional fashion boundaries.
Photo courtesy Brooke Holm
Not being much of a fashionista myself I didn’t really have much insight into JPG’s works or his influence on the industry. Needless to say I now have a much better appreciation of who JPG is which is what an exhibition is all about.
The night itself was pumping. There must have been over a 1000 people attending over the course of the night, streaming through the galleries, enjoying a drink or two and most of all rocking out to the band, on this occasion Bombay Royale.
Photo courtesy NGV
At $28 a pop the tickets are fantastic value for money. To normally attend the exhibition costs $22 so for the extra $6 you get to rock out with some seriously cool tunes. The NGV opens up at 5:30pm with Bombay Royale (or other bands) playing to crowds from 8:30pm.
This is a great way to kick off your Friday night and I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. Check out what’s in store for future Friday nights at the NGV on our calendar.
~Ruki
Disclosure: The Plus Ones attended the event courtesy of the NGV
NGV International
180 St Kilda Road
Melbourne 3000
