November verse 2: Looking

Today we visited David Hockney’s Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) at the Carriageworks. It’s a spectacular, immersive retrospective. The colours are brilliant, and the technical effects are magic. And Hockney’s voiceover is every bit as charming and thoughtful as you could want. I’m not sure I follow his argument about perspective and his ‘drawing with a camera’ period left me wishing he’s get back to paint. But it’s a wonderful experience, and suitable launching pad for a November verse.

Verse 2: Looking

After visiting David Hockney’s Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)

Photography's not really looking.
Looking with your eyes takes time.
Microwaving isn't cooking. 
Poetry is more than rhyme.
Architects may love perspective.
But for looking, be selective,
let your eyes make all things count, 
not see them vanish to a point.
The light glints on a broken bottle,
jacarandas drop their blooms,
gold leaf flares in darkened rooms,
native bees disturb the wattle.
David, Death may have its sting
but colour's still a joyful thing.