Where do you pick up?

But the point is not whether Aleksandr looks like The Count from Sesame Street.  The point is that TV’s 30-something single women seem to have no problem finding dates.  Unlike many of their real world counterparts.   Like, say, the majority of my friends. The question is, when it comes to finding a par amour among the artworks, is Ms Bradshaw onto something?

Are art galleries really full of people on the pull?

That’s not rhetorical. I’m asking you. Anyone picked up while looking at art?

Queensland artist and gallery owner Brett Lethbridge thinks art exhibitions are the ideal place to meet people or even have a first date.

“The great thing is you can appear cultured and intellectual just by hanging out at an exhibition, the show lasts a maximum of an hour and – of course – the big bonus is the alcohol at an exhibition is usually free. And I reckon art exhibitions beat the pants off a dinner/movie. You don’t have to stare at each other over a table thinking up conversation because you already have something to talk about.”

He had me at “free alcohol”.  But it’s alright for a gallery-owner to recommend you talk about the artworks but what if you’re me? What if you don’t know your Van Goghs from your  … (okay it just took me five minutes to think of the name of another artist)…  Matisses?

The trick, according to Brett, is mastering the “intellectual gaze”.

“Those really in-the-know never talk about the art but rather stare at the piece for at least 45 seconds longer than one would think appropriate, give a little snort through the nostrils indicating a vague sign of impressed indifference and then move on to the next painting for another prolonged stare – a bit like wine tasting.”

“You should never say ‘his work reminds me of so and so’ or worse, ‘I like the colours…’   If you are absolutely drawn into conversation about the piece in question use words like ‘sympathetic’ or ‘evocative’”.

(Apparently the word ‘juxtapose’ has passed its use-by date and is very yesterday.)

Pass the free alcohol.

So where are the best places to pick-up? Where have you gotten lucky?