EMBASSIES OF THOUGHT: PART 2

ART GALLERY OF NEW SOUTH WALES, EMBASSY OF SPIRITS

Philosophy / Religion / Spirituality / Elements / Rituals / Body / Nature / Language

For the 20th Biennale of Sydney: The future is already here – it’s just not evenly distributed, the Art Gallery of New South Wales will be transformed into the Embassy of Spirits. Artists exhibiting at this venue explore the intersections between the spiritual and the philosophical. Many works are concerned with ritual, whether personal or religious, while others explore how science, nature and spirituality relate to power structures and have been redeployed for other purposes.

Tokyo-based conceptual artist Taro Shinoda engages with a multidisciplinary practice that ranges across video, sculpture, installation, performance, painting and photography. Hand-built installations and sculptural works are demonstrative of his strong technical skills and a contemplative approach informed by karesansui, the design and creation of traditional Japanese gardens, and the associated philosophical and Zen concepts. Influenced by the writings of Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki,  Shinoda’s works possess an intrinsic meditative simplicity and beauty, reflecting a deep consideration of nature, humanity, philosophy and science. Shinoda will create a new installation for the 20th Biennale of Sydney that will form a central feature of the Embassy of Spirits.

Other artists featured at this embassy include: Johanna Calle, Joyce Campbell, Sheila Hicks, Mella Jaarsma, Jumana Manna, Dane Mitchell, Sudarshan Shetty, Rodel Tapaya, Yin-ju Chen and Nyapanyapa Yunupingu.

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ARTSPACE, EMBASSY OF NON-PARTICIPATION

Alternative structures / Owning Space / Capitalism / Dislocation 

For the 20th Biennale of Sydney, Artspace in Woolloomooloo, a former artists’ squat now renowned as a site for experimentation, will be transformed into the Embassy of Non-Participation, occupied by artist duo Karen Mirza and Brad Butler. 

Mirza and Butler engage in a multi-disciplinary social practice that spans drawing, installation, film, performance, publishing and curating. Probing the meaning of collaboration and participation, the artists create space for dialogue and discussion, where the traditional roles of artist as maker and audience as recipient are questioned and contested. Through their work Mirza and Butler inspire active questioning of social relations under capitalism and spark the potential for resistance.

For the duration of the exhibition Mirza and Butler will work collaboratively with the Biennale of Sydney and the Artspace team, presenting a series of new and existing works that give consideration to the manner in which the act of ‘non-participation’ might also be an active, critical position.

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REGISTER FOR VERNISSAGE: HURRY CLOSES SOON

Register now to attend the 20th Biennale of Sydney Vernissage for your opportunity to network with industry peers, meet artists, and see Australia’s leading contemporary art event before it opens to the general public.

20th Biennale of Sydney Vernissage: Tuesday, 15 March – Thursday, 17 March 2016

Register now

GIVE THE GIFT OF ART: FRIENDS PACKAGE

Looking for the perfect gift for the art lovers in your life? Then sign them up to be a Friend of the Biennale of Sydney!

Friends of the Biennale will get exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the upcoming 20th edition and we’ll even throw in some extras: 

• 1 x complimentary ticket to the Biennale’s Opening Night, Friday, 18 March 2016 at Cockatoo Island;
• 1 x complimentary limited edition exhibition catalogue, a guidebook and a souvenir tote bag;
• VIP Friends guided tours of Cockatoo Island with members of the curatorial team;
• VIP events such as artist and curator talks;
• A gift e-certificate that you can package up to present to your loved ones;
• and much more ...

Learn more about the Friends Package

VOLUNTEER WITH THE 20TH BIENNALE

Applications to join the 20th Biennale of Sydney volunteer program for 2016 are now open!

Biennale of Sydney volunteers have the chance to get behind-the-scenes, meet like-minded people and interact with artists from around the world. This is a rare opportunity for anyone interested in contemporary art or working/studying in the field to develop their skills and experience.

If you are interested in volunteering, head to our website to learn more on the variety of roles available and fill out the application form to join the team!

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