Five-course feast for the senses
Sydney is a tale of two cities, a fast-paced cosmopolitan metropolis disguised by a chilled-out beach vibe, writes
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As I turn a corner of the gallery, I’m confronted by a giant, naked man. The security guard smirks when he sees me blush at the grotesque sculpture that is Wild Man.
So lifelike he is, I giggle while inspecting the intricate details, from the blue veins popping from his hands to the tufts of hair sprouting from his manly toes.
But this is art. Punch-in-the-face modern art. From London’s Tate collection, rumour has it, patrons to the Nude exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales can choose to walk the corridors with no clothes on. However, the only flesh on show that day is in the paintings and sculptures.
It isn’t the first time I had experienced a sensory overload on my short trip to Sydney. From the moment I arrive at the QT Hotel I’m met with a kaleidoscope of colour.
Sassy girls, the ‘‘directors of chaos’’, in flaming red wigs direct traffic in and out of the city centre hotel while bell
Aisling O’Sullivan.
boys in berets whisk the bags away.
Inside the Art Deco-inspired hotel, we take a lift to the lobby while Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock belt It Takes Two over the speakers. We later learn that the elevator has sensors to detect how many people are inside and customises the music accordingly.
The rooms, with their demur but bold decor scream opulence and glamour and I dart around the place, opening the martini shaker, touching the fur throw, checking out the oldschool lollies.
The next morning, walking down to breakfast at Gowings Bar and Grill, The Verve’s Bittersweet Symphony plays in the reception, which is lit by a striking LED wall of digital art.
Although I love the over-the-top, plush furnishings and eclectic design, I can imagine it might be overwhelming to some at first.
But beneath all the art, music, bells and whistles is comfort (they even sell their Gel Beds to customers) and good service.