Art offers gentle therapy
There was only one way to fix the fact that I’d never been to Tasmania but had always wanted to – and that was to go. It has always seemed a bit impolite not to have seen this neighbouring island of similar latitude and stunning vistas. A bit like not visiting a distant relative when in town.
So, when asked to speak at a conference in Melbourne, I decided to set aside a few days to escape to Tassie.
As luck would have it, some of the crew were also heading over. Being part of a travel company tour was a unique experience and we were treated like VIPs as Hobart rolled out its red carpet.
Snow was forecast on Mount Wellington, the mountain that dominates Hobart. I was glad to be heading up the river in a fast ferry, for a look around Mona, The Museum of Old and New Art.
I believe learning and being connected are two of the five ways to wellbeing, so it was great to visit. I admit, I love museums, but am not really a fan of art galleries. However, Mona changed that.
The whole experience was eyeopening and stimulating beyond belief. In one exhibit, a waterfall of words cascaded down, generated by news stories – a metaphor for how fast our brain needs to work to cope with modern information overflow.
To see it reduced to water droplets in a waterfall was mesmerising, thought-provoking and relaxing. I could have sat there all day. The room with particles whizzing on screens, entitled Supersymmetry, made you feel like you were at the centre of the Big Bang and creation of the universe.
The exhibitions and pieces at Mona make you think about existential questions like, why are we here? Where have we come from? And where are we going? The mix of Egyptian mummies and the hyperspace of Geneva science labs was as intoxicating as the vineyard the museum nestles in, beside the Derwent River.
We were escorted by Daniel, who gave us an entertaining, informative and insightful tour of the winery and Mona. It was a perfect way to escape and learn what can be created from a vision, commitment – and some serious investment.
After our day of absorbing art, it was back to Hobart by river cruise followed by a visit to another fine restaurant surrounded by fishing boats and nautical treasures. I couldn’t help but think: ‘‘Perhaps I should have been a travel agent.’’
Tasmanians are enthusiastic and passionate about their island paradise and I can see why.
A few hours in the Maritime Museum was therapy itself looking at the history of Tassie, the whaling, and some of the 1100 shipwrecks that mar its rugged coastline, which is punctuated by passages such as Hells Gates. Just the name is a warning.
Taking time out from busy schedules and adding in rest and recreation while on a business trip is great for wellbeing. REUTERS
Swapping motorways and city high rises for the historic calm of Hobart by the harbour, is medicine for the soul. But it won’t happen if you don’t book the time and the trip. ● Dr Tom Mulholland is an Emergency Department Doctor and GP with over 25 years experience in New Zealand. He's currently a man on a mission, tackling health missions around the world.