At 2pm yesterday, I coated half a dozen free range chicken marylands (thigh + drumstick portions) in a packaged curry paste…
This is our current favourite brand, as recommended by my cousins in Malaysia. You could certainly grind all the spices from scratch, but we had a free afternoon and were keen to get out of the house…
I put all the chicken, a few peeled and chopped potatoes, half a litre of water and a carton of coconut cream into my presoaked Römertopf pot and covered it with the lid. The pot went into a cold oven and the heat was turned up to 200C with fan. I set the timer and asked Big Boy to turn the oven down to 150C with fan after the first hour…
Then Pete and I hopped on a train to Central Station. The weather was sunny but cool, a perfect autumnal day to be outside. From Central, we took an easy walk to the Mortuary Station to visit the Biennale of Sydney’s Embassy of Transition.
The Mortuary Station is an elegant and intriguing part of Sydney history. It was originally built as part of the train line connecting Rookwood, Woronora and Sandgate Cemeteries. The line is no longer in use, but the station continues to be maintained by Sydney Trains and is open to the public for special events. Apart from the artworks, it was a treat in itself to be able to visit this historic building!
The platform of the station is the ideal backdrop for Spiral Incense Mantra (2014) by Taiwanese artist Charwei Tsai. Encompassing three separate elements, this beautiful installation invites contemplation of life, death and dying.
The artwork comprises a series of hanging incense bells which are randomly lit. The bells have been inscribed with sacred Buddhist texts by the artist and the monks who collaborated with her. Originally all the same size, over the course of the Biennale, each has burned down at a different rate, influenced by location, wind, and frequency of lighting.
It’s unsubtle but powerful imagery, which combines with the architecture and history of the building, the stillness of the location, and the gentle wafting aroma of the incense, to create a very moving experience…
Each piece was created in a flat form, then hung by the artist…
As the bell burns away, it leaves behind small piles of ash…
Two videos accompany the incense mantras, screened on the floors of the station’s waiting rooms. The third element incorporates a section of track adjacent to the platform, which the artist has filled with pieces of bark inscribed with messages…
From the Mortuary, we walked to the Redfern Wall, where What Remains (2016), a site specific installation by indigenous Australian artist Daniel Boyd, glistened in the late afternoon sun. I’d loved this in its previous incarnation at the MCA, but it’s truly spectacular here, where it can catch and reflect the outdoor light. I feel blessed to have had a second chance to see it…
The piece wraps all the way around the corner…
Pete liked the way the mirrored disks caught the silhouette of the large maple tree…
After lingering for a while to watch the light moving over the shiny dots, we wandered up to Redfern Station and caught the express train home. And when we arrived, it was just about time to pull the curry out of the oven…
It was a glorious way to spend an afternoon in Sydney!
Fig Jam and Lime Cordial 
Celia, you always know exactly what to do and where to go. My aunt was always like that and I’ve strived to follow her foot steps. You inspire me to keep striving!
Marvellous! The Mortuary Station looks very intriguing with an interesting history. I have never heard of such a thing before, so I looked up it’s history. The display looks very interesting as well. And by the time you got home a hot meal was waiting! Sounds like a grand afternoon. ☺👍👍
So that’s what it’s called…the Mortuary Station, interesting post Celia. Stay warm this weekend.
Now that sounds like the most perfect afternoon in the world to me. An exhibition (stunning), being with my loved one then home for curry! Have never thought to us my romertopf for a curry…am going to give it a go.
How Australian to have a Mortuary Station. Sounds an interesting and uplifting afternoon.
Wonderful! :)
Wow, wow, and wow! Sydney sure has some amazing art, and. as we might say in Maine, that curry looks wicked good.
Laurie, we do at the moment, because the Biennale of Sydney is on! It only happens once every two years! :)
One day I gotta get there… I really want to!
great post, Celia!
Celia – how very clever – everything. Wow!
Spectacular day, meal, and post, Celia! I love tagging along with you. :)
P.S. My “baby” arrived this morning, xo! Will let you know what I name her.
I’m sending this to my daughter in law- perfect little curry dish.
Lived for over three decades in Sydney and did not realize there was a Mortuary Station! And have always thought myself to be ‘aware’ :) !! Love the Redfern Wall: well, at least that will be there when I next hit town! Love the look of the curry and am beginning not to go ‘from scratch’ at times but have no idea from where to get your ‘best’ – have to go ask Mr Google perhaps: he may be in a helpful mood about on-line offers . . .
Thanks for the tip on curry paste. Fascinating pictures and travels. I learned something new. If you can learn something new each day ~ you are very lucky! Thx again for sharing your adventures.
What an interesting day and then to finish it off with a flavorful curry…you can’t ask for anything more.
What a wonderful day you had 😃
A glorious afternoon indeed. Food for the heart and food for the soul. Adore those forms that burn away – so thought provoking
Interesting post, Celia. I got married at All Saints Church in Ainslie, here in Canberra… the church itself once used to be part of that Mortuary run I believe.
It was the first Mortuary Station… https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Saints_Church,_Canberra
A well spent afternoon. A little macarbe perhaps but I love Mortuary Station and all finery and funerary from times gone by that went along with tending the deceased. The almost defunct tradition funeral processions with pages and horses with plumes is also fascinating.
WOW, I do miss Sydney and all it has to offer :) Oh and that dinner looks divine too! :) what a wonderful afternoon!
Liz xx
What an absolutely perfect afternoon! I agree with Sally…food for the heart and food for the soul! I must try to get organised and have some slow cooking on next time I go out for the day (or even to work!)…i dream of coming home to the aroma of home cooked dinner!!!
Celia, remember you gave me two packets of these spice mixes. I only ever used one. The other one is not much past its use by date. Maybe I should do this with it. :) BTW I made your microwave custard the other day. It turned out perfect.
What a wonderful day, the incense sounds like a very interesting exhibit. And, the chicken curry is a perfect way to end it. I love reading about your outings.