Escape the heat this summer and head for the coolest place in town, the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

This summer there is something for everyone from Caravaggio to Man Ray, with a host of events for all the family to enjoy. The children will be captivated with Zhenmu Shou, the Chinese warrior 'guide from the grave', fun Italian street theatre and holiday workshops.

The Gallery's film programme is extensive and encompasses cinema classics, important documentaries, shorts and experimental films. Don't miss the great introduction to the notorious and controversial artist, Caravaggio. And of course, for the more studious, there are lots of artist's and curator's talks.

If you have spent the day at the beach, don't forget the Gallery is open Wednesday nights, until 9pm with Art After Hours. Enjoy a glass of wine and some Neapolitan music with friends at the ArtBar, see a film or catch one of the guest speakers, including Emma Tom, Jim Sharman, Andrew Denton, Clive Evatt, Adrian Collette and Libbi Gorr.

Burn with passion as you stroll through the exhibition Darkness & Light: Caravaggio & His World. In 16th century Rome this artistic genius emerged to change the course of Western Art. This exhibition demonstrates the scope and quality of Caravaggio's revolutionary vision; a landmark show not to be missed.

Presented in the new Asian galleries is the work of acclaimed multi-media artist Nam June Paik. The exhibition comprises a selection of electronic and sculptural work by Paik held in private Australian collections, including the actual TV Cello played by Charlotte Moorman, the Art Gallery of New South Wales' new acquisition Buddha Game, as well as a re-installation of Paik's spectacular TV Garden. This fascinating presentation coincides with a major installation of the artist's work on the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House as part of Sydney Festival 2004.

Also, in association with the Sydney Festival, the Gallery presents Great Fences of Australia where virtuoso violinist/composers, Jon Rose and Hollis Taylor play a re-created section of the great fences of Australia with a visual installation of images and stories of fences including the Dingo Fence and the Rabbit-Proof fence.

If this is not enough, immerse yourself in the work of Colin McCahon, New Zealand's first painter of major international significance, and look forward to the exhibition of one of the most famous and original artists of the 20th century Man Ray opening in early February.

This and so much more �. .check out the website www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au

For media information contact
Virginia Lovett
Telephone 02 9225 1791 or 0417 662 749
Email vlovett@ag.nsw.gov.au
Claire Martin
Telephone 02 9225 1734 or 0414 437 588
Email clairem@ag.nsw.gov.au