December 11, 2014 (4)

While we were on the ship we wandered along to one of the Art auctions.  It's really an excuse to get a glass or two of (cheap) champagne but there's always something to be learned.  For example, I didn't realise that some of the best-known art movements of the 20th century, like Cubism and Surrealism only lasted for a few years.  Of course, the art experts also have a bit to learn too.  Our fellow told us that the earliest art can be found in caves in France and Spain and is about 20 000 years old.  Someone should tell him about the Quinkan rock art of Queensland which could be as old as 30 000 years.

On this cruise, they were pushing the art of Peter Max, a hippy artist of the 1960's and one passenger had been identified as a buyer.  I would have called him a 'cashed-up bogan' but I'm a bit cynical.  Anyway, at the first auction, they contrived to give him a free painting, softening him up for the big sell.  At the final auction of the cruise, he bought a Little Peter Max for $3700 and a wall of 6 paintings for $6700.  It was a bit of a mish-mash but he and his wife were happy.

Marilyn and I bid for two paintings in a Silent Auction, not expecting to get either.  In fact, we got both.  They were all packed up and delivered to our cabin on the night before we disembarked.  I quickly got onto Jetstar, bought another 10 kg of baggage allowance and they were transported to Launceston with little fuss.

We certainly don't need any more paintings but they are by a favourite artist, Linda la Kinff, and look great in our bedroom.  The image is one of her paintings we bought years ago.