Daily Detours to Help You Get Cultured

Though it’s been over ten years since the Gallery of Modern Art opened its doors to shower the city with creativity, the gallery still keeps things fresh, providing many reasons for repeat visits. Browsing the works that line GOMA’s walls, and nestling into the Australian Cinematheque’s comfy chairs are only a couple reasons to drop by, not to mention the gallery’s ever-changing exhibitions. If you’re after arty wares, head to the Gallery Store, and if you’re craving some caffeine and eats, pop in for a coffee and cake at the on-site café or a meal at their restaurant with a view. The best part? If you work in the CBD, you’ll have plenty of time during your lunch break to sneak a midday trip to the gallery.

Based in West End, Junky Comics is the passion project of Vlada Edirippulige, also known as illustrator Junky. It’s the kind of place where browsing — and taking a seat on the couch while you peruse the shop’s stock — is welcome. “I really hate that feeling of getting in, grabbing something and getting out,” Edirippulige advises. “With comics, you need to look through them too see if you dig them. The unique combination of written word with illustration is a big part of what draws Edirippulige to comics as well. “Comic books and graphic novels cover such widespread content — it’s not just about superheroes anymore! — and I wanted to have a place that showcased that diversity.” Indeed, rifling through the wares adorning the store’s custom-made shelves proves just that, with Junky Comics stocking everything from Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis to vintage Wonder Woman. There’s also a selection of local zines and cards. Take your time, cosy in and browse the comics and art found in this treasure trove of illustration.

Did you know that Brisbane has its own Zen Buddhist temple? Opening in Logan back in 1993, the Chung Tian Temple is a portal to a different philosophy and a window into an alternative way of life. You’ll feel like you’re worlds away, without leaving Brissie. You can easily while away your time just looking at the sights of this temple awash in the traditional gold and red of Chinese palace architecture. Explore further, and you’ll discover all that the temple has to offer, from the Chan, Zen and Arhat Gardens, to the art gallery and the on-site museum. Entry is free and you can even do a guided tour — all they ask for is a small donation. And no trip is complete without a hot cuppa and dumplings at the Water Drop Teahouse.

Image: @alwaysdocumentating via Instagram.  

If your inner Picasso is itching for an outlet, look to the Art Shed — and we don’t just mean for supplies from their West End store. We know that getting the motivation to sketch at home is hard when Netflix is always calling, but here, the only thing to watch is your creative genius spilling across a canvas during a life drawing class. From Albion to West End — including Arana Hills, Bowen Hills, Maroochydore and Nathan  — there’s no shortage of class locations. You’re bound to find one near you, so there’s no excuse. Stop that auto-play, and opt to unwind sans technology. You may even come home with a new work of art to hang.

Image: @artshedbrisbane via Instagram

Friday afternoons are best experienced as close to the river as possible. Mosey down to New Farm’s Bar Alto for a sophisticated Italian feast and an early supper. Dine on delights like pan fried salmon with heirloom beets, or share a plate of salumi with a friend. While you’re finishing up with a cheese or two, look online to see who you’ll catch at the Powerhouse’s Knockoff Comedy. This free Friday night comedy show runs from 6pm, and plays host to some of the biggest up-and-comers in Brisbane comedy. Plus, once a month, Knockoff is home to Brisbane’s premier improvised comedy night thanks to the comedy stylings of ImproMafia.

Launch into your weekend with some dirty work with Kent Florist The florist hosts a plant-oriented workshop every Saturday. It could be ikebana, mini cactus garden making or DIY kokedama — that’s Japanese for moss balls. Literally. But they’re more appealing than this direct translation might suggest. The moss is the basis of a mini, hanging pot plant, featuring your favourite succulent, fern or the like. At the workshop, you’ll learn the history of kokedama while making two of your own. Everything you need for each of the workshops is provided and you’ll be sipping green tea and sampling Japanese sweets while you work. Book online in advance, and don’t forget an apron to avoid post-plant grubbiness.

Thanks to shopping centres, we’re all familiar with the concept of several stores under one roof. In theory, that’s what you get at the Paddington Antique Centre, but you also end up with much, much more. On a site that was once a theatre back in the 1920s, the massive antique shop became Australia’s biggest space of its kind in 1985. Get ready to scour the joint for vintage threads and finds while soaking in — what else? — plenty of old-world charm. Once you’ve finished your treasure hunt, take a short stroll down to The Hope & Anchor, which just might be Paddington’s cutest little pub. It’s just over a year old but looks like it has been around for much, much longer. Grab a breakfast burger or brioche French toast if you’re heading by earlier in the day, or the homemade pie of the day, some roast chicken or a half-pound wagyu burger for lunch.

Image: Anwyn Howarth.