Hey, hi, hello. So recently I felt my artistic juices were at ‘Empty.’ I needed to really see things, and get some of my artistic mojo back. So, I threw on my favourite shirt (vintage Wrangler, channelling “get happy, Jess, for Christ’s sake”) and headed out to the Biennale at Cockatoo Island, MCA and NSW Art Gallery.
Thus, thanks to my proverbial ‘tank’ being restored to a comfortable level, feeling that bizarre peace only invoked by a gallery and generally being thrilled that my mind can, in fact, think again after the boring drone everyday life can (sometimes) supply- I’ve compiled a list of 6 reasons why you should get off your ass and see the Biennale this year’ (HUZZAH). But it’s true, I think I might actually make some valid points so stay with me.
1. Art isn’t only for the few.
I’m a firm believer in this. I think it’s plain silly to forfeit your interests because the thought may arise, “Well, so-and-so does art… he/she owns that territory, I’ve told everyone my interests are this. I don’t have the time, it doesn’t do anything for me etc.” The good thing about the Biennale (at all of it’s respective venues) is that everyone is welcomed, with his or her respective opinions and perspectives. The intriguing part is often watching people respond to the pieces you’re looking at. As Oscar Wilde has said, “Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has (ever) known.” Plus, nothing celebrates togetherness like a Google Ghost Train.
2. Despite the political friction & Belgiorno-Nettis vs Transfield debate – supporting Australian work (coupled with huge international talent) is the name of the game.
Yes, the scrutiny provoked a myriad of questions and you are more than allowed, my friend, to lean towards the ideas you do. But in the same vein, clarified by Cate Blanchett and Catherine Martin at this year’s Oscars, Australia’s creative and artistic talent is sought after and quality.
3. In true Biennale style, expect a lot of quirky, wacky fun and Off-the-Wall belly laughs.
Many of the pieces this year are perceptive, yes. Clever and innovative, yes. Bloody funny, YES. Take Marko Lulić’s Space Girl Dance (2009), an odd dance movement piece based on a 70’s video starring Raquel Welch. A lot of the pieces make you crack up- the funny part is watching people stifle the laughter, or just go with it. FOR PETE’S SAKE, GO WITH IT.
4. An unusual amount of video art this year; film lovers/makers rejoice!
Yup, there was a lot to sift through this year; all very, very different. So if film is your thing, you’re up for some interesting stuff. Particularly Pipilotti Rist’s Mercy Garden Retour Skin at the MCA. You can even cuddle up to a ‘person cushion’ and bask in 3 huge walls of footage. (NB. There’s a touch of nudity, but you love it).
5. You don’t have to like everything.
Yes! Sometimes you just don’t dig something, and that’s okay. Actually, that’s good. Because then you can think about why you don’t like it, about why it doesn’t tickle your fancy and then you get talking with a stranger about those ideas (no fisticuffs don’t fret). Then you do some weights adorned with foliage connecting to strings that make skeletons dance (Gerda Steiner). And then you tune out to the sound of a Waterfall in the middle of an Industrial Turbine space (Eva Koch) and things just seem to come together nicely.
6. Some of the most recent, powerful International artworks have come here.
Hop on the ferry, take a bus, train or what have you. It beats taking a plane to Berlin, Glasgow, London or Greece when you can see stuff today. It’s on every two years, and this year it’s here until the 9th of June. Enough said, artsy party people. Go see it, take a friend or go by yourself like I did. Yes, I did/do that. Whatever, you get me.
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