Brisbane is Australia’s new “premiering ground” for all things wonderful in art. It started in 2007 with Australia’s largest showing of Andy Warhol pieces at GoMA. The exhibit was expansive showcasing over 300 works by the ground-breaking pop artist, and it burst open this sleepy town’s art scene – to the envy of our big sister cities. Then came the more recent, eye-popping and alarmingly real Ron Mueck human body sculpture exhibit. Now it’s the Valentino Retrospective. GoMA will fling open its doors on 7 August, giving Brisbanites unprecedented access to the world of haute couture until 14 November. The exhibition will present designer Valentino Garavani’s first collection from 1959, up to the latest Autumn/Winter 2009-10 collection. The celebrity factor is the cherry on top of this creative cake: dresses worn by Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor and others will be on display. Adult tickets are $20, concession $16 and children free.
