The 19th Biennale of Sydney has been fraught with controversy in 2014. With a mass social media campaign by artists and public to cease ties with founding sponsor Transfield over of the company's association with the management of asylum seeker detention centres. Which resulted in Transfield dropping support of future festivals, it seemed the art took a major back seat in the lead up to the 19th Biennale.
I am the River 2012. Eva Koch - Cockatoo Island
And it has to be said our initial introduction the event at the Cockatoo Island site was that the art would be taking a back seat and perhaps Artistic Director Juliana Enbergs' theme 'You Imagine What You Desire' was more about participants imagining great works of art rather than seeing them.
The Village 2014. Randi & Katrine - Cockatoo Island
Harsh words I know, and believe me there are plenty of breathtaking pieces on the island. Though the issue with a setting like Cockatoo Island is that these are no blank gallery walls. The island has its own character and pieces set within it need strength and identity in order to resonate beyond the architecture.
We left the island vowing to return later in the festival, with hopes to have opinions changed.
We left the island vowing to return later in the festival, with hopes to have opinions changed.
Jump to a couple of weeks later, on the first refreshingly cooler Sydney Autumn day and we hit the galleries. The 19th Biennale of Sydney is spread across the CBD, with exhibitions at the MCA, Art Gallery of NSW, Carriageworks and Artspace. On this day we took in the MCA, followed by Art Gallery of NSW
Mercy Garden Retour Skin 2014. Pipilotto Rist - MCA
By just turning right at the top of the stairs of the gallery foyer, immediately you are submerged into a hedonistic world of colour and sensation. Created by swiss artist Pipilotti Rist Mercy Garden comprises of a flowing three walled projection, with viewers invited to sit or lie on the carpeted floor and fully immerse themselves in the vivid landscapes. Quite breathtaking
Ten Liquid Incidents 2010 - 12. Roni Horn - MCA
Walking the levels of the gallery and taking in the rest of the exhibition there are many moments of brilliance. early quite a showcase of talent and vision.
The Quiet Shore 2011. David Claerbout - MCA
Phantom 2011. Douglas Gordon - MCA
Most memorable piece was by Scottish artist Douglas Gordon, Phantom. Really quite simplistic in nature the skills in Gordon is the ability to combine the elements of a slow motion heavily painted eye, the haunting vocals of Rufus Wainwright and a oppressively dark room, filled with mirrors and a burnt out piano to create a new life form which is mesmerising and enchanting. A must see.
Next stop, the Art Gallery of NSW, where the exhibition continues to amaze. Seventy times Seven by Wadawurrung artist Bindi Cole both smacks you right between the eyes with its honesty and raw emotions, yet at the same times leaves the viewer with a resounding sense of affirming hope and a sense of eventual reconciliation.
Seventy times Seven 2012. Bindi Cole - AGNSW
The Magdalenes 2012. Deborah Kelly - AGNSW
Thoroughly recommend visiting Art Gallery of NSW at the moment as Art Express, the collection of works from 2013 HSC students is also on display and it has to be said, some of these pieces are at such a high calibre they could have easily been included in the Biennale program. A good day, and with even more spaces to visit we are sure to have a very arts ladened Autumn to come.
19th Biennale of Sydney
21 March - 9 June 2014
www.biennaleofsydney.com.au/19bos
19th Biennale of Sydney
21 March - 9 June 2014
www.biennaleofsydney.com.au/19bos
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