Every two years, Sydney is host to Australia’s largest exhibition of international contemporary art, the Biennale of Sydney.
Since its inception in 1973, the Biennale of Sydney has provided a platform for art and ideas, showcasing the work of nearly 1,700 artists from over 100 countries. Today it is considered one of the leading international art events, recognised for commissioning and presenting provocative, thought-provoking art from Australia and around the world.
2016 marked the 20th Biennale of Sydney. This year's Artistic Director was Stephanie Rosenthal and its theme, inspired by a quote from leading science fiction author William Gibson, was titled 'The future is already here — it’s just not evenly distributed'.
We're delighted to have supported a number of the UK artists to exhibit at this year's Biennale. The exhibiting UK artists included: Marco Chiandetti, Céline Condorelli, Cecile B Evans, Bharti Kher, Helen Marten, Emma McNally, Karen Mirza and Brad Butler, Oscar Murillo, Aura Satz and Alexis Teplin.
This edition of the Biennale was presented at seven main venues conceived as ‘embassies of thought’. It presented the work of 71 artists at seven venues across Sydney, along with various ‘in-between projects’ around the city. Venues include Cockatoo Island, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Artspace, Mortuary Station, and Carriageworks.
Artistic Director Stephanie Rosenthal said: "If each era posits its own view of reality, what is ours? One of the key ideas this Biennale explores is how the common distinction between the virtual and the physical has become ever more elusive. The embassies are also inspired by the unique locations and individual histories of each venue; they will provide safe spaces for thinking, convening for the three-month duration of the Biennale. A focus on ‘in-between spaces’ is key: in terms of our interaction with the digital world, displacement from and occupation of spaces and land, and the interconnections and overlaps between politics and financial power structures."
The Biennale of Sydney was held between 18 March and 5 June 2016.
Find out more on the Biennale of Sydney website.