Biennale returns to Sydney

Two years of research, months of installation and 35,000 hours of collective labour is about to pay off when the city unveils its array of artwork at the Biennale of Sydney. Displaying both home-grown and international talent, the free exhibition opens on June 27 for 12 weeks.

Gerald McMaster was announced as Co-Artistic Director, alongside Catherine de Zegher, in October 2010 for the 18th Biennale of Sydney.

Mr McMaster explained the process of the event together over a year and a half. “We did a lot of travelling. We would set up meetings with curators, visit galleries and while some art work pre-existed, we also commissioned some pieces.”

“One artist would make us think of another, someone who would work well beside them or in the same space. The pattern of artwork and artists created itself. It was an organic, evolutionary process.”

Exhibitions will be set up at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the newly redeveloped Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Cockatoo Island and Pier 2/3. Carriageworks in Redfern is also a presenting partner this year.

The biggest factor that affected artist choice however was the theme. Entitled ‘All Our Relations’, the art at this year’s event is a reflection of how global relationships are developing in an ever-changing world, due to factors like social media, environmental issues and the financial crisis.

“This exhibition is about how we are seeing the world differently,” Mr McMaster said. “That’s where the artists come in. They all relate to each other and can be juxtaposed against one another.”

Sydney-based Wiradjuiri/Kamilaroi artist, Jonathon Jones will be displaying two of his artworks on Cockatoo Island.

“I’m interested in connecting and reconnecting to ancestral knowledge, ideas and concepts,” he said. “The extended metaphor of all our relations is something that can encompass people, places, memory and now.”

Nineteen Australian artists will be displayed at the Biennale, but with pieces coming in from the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and other far reaches of the globe, over 100 artists and 220 artworks will feature.

The last Biennale in 2010, attracted over 500,000 attendees and Chief Executive Officer Marah Braye does not expect a smaller crowd this year. “We look forward to welcoming both new and returning audiences to this incredible event,” she said.

Artist talks, forums, tours and performances will also occur during the festival.

By Punam Vyas