If you haven’t been to Ballarat before, it has its roots firmly in Australian political history thanks to the Eureka Stockade, is home to a theme park/re-reconstruction of that era called Sovereign Hill, is the coldest place on earth, is the birthplace of many a great St Kilda player, most notably Tony Lockett, has the stunning Lake Wendouree which is bordered by a ripper 5.5km running track named after the great distance runner Steve Monaghetti, and houses quite literally some of the best colonial architecture in Australia.

I visit Ballarat with work approximately 8 times a year and love the place and its people. They’re tough, honest and resilient because they have to be. There is something unique about the Ballarat chill. If the wind is up, it will push ice into one side of your body and exit the other side in a flash without the slightest regard for the “woolies” you may be wearing. My best friend Greg and I were playing football in North Ballarat one day and it snowed. Greg tore his hamstring in the first quarter and it’s the only time I’ve seen an injured teammate jog off to the changerooms with a smile on his face!

My partner Lynda and I visited Ballarat yesterday to see the new exhibition showing at the majestic Art Gallery of Ballarat. It’s called “Romancing the Skull”, a tribute to all things to do with the human skull. The gallery has collected an eclectic number of works from books and artwork dating back to the 15th century to postmodernist paintings and sculptures.

The skull plays a major part in Mexican culture and this was evident in the artist Posada’s exquisite illustrations which were shown and date back to late 1800’s. The Day of the Dead (Dia de Meurtos) in Mexico symbolizes the celebration of loved ones who have passed and the City of Ballarat turned on a fantastic accompaniment to the exhibition in the public space out the back of the gallery. A full Mexican band and numerous dancers set the tone for the locals getting their faces painted in half skulls and there was a large room for the kids to paint and explore. There was also enormous bark and sand skeleton murals being made which only added to the colour of the event. The Hispanic community embodies a spirit that is truly joyous.

A traditional Ofrenda was set up which is a shrine to those who have passed. Despite its obvious sadness, the Ofrenda is dedicated to the person passed and they are a bright collection of objects, photographs, and food that the deceased loved. It is also accompanied with lots of flowers and incense intended to guide the spirit back to their loved ones. Quite beautiful.

Romancing the Skull is showing until 14th January 2018 and there is plenty more to see in the gallery when you’re finished. Ballarat is one of Australia’s great regional cities so make a weekend of it and explore its rich history and culinary delights. PS, if you visit the mall in the city on Saturday mornings you will see the wonderful BUG, Ballarat Ukelele Group, approximately 20 “seniors” belting out classics such as “Psycho Killer” and “Rhiannon”. I’ve included a photo.

https://artgalleryofballarat.com.au/gallery_exhibitions/romancing-the-skull/