But Is It Art?
Posted on 12. May, 2010 by Cherry Picked in Leisure
Best Bits of Biennale
Although this fantastic contemporary art festival runs from 12 May until 1 August 2010, early birds will be rewarded with engaging one-off or limited performances in the opening week… so don’t put it off and risk missing the best bits!
Monkey Magic
Jennifer Wen Ma creates a choreographed smoke projection of the Chinese mythological character (and protagonist of one of your favourite 70’s shows), the Monkey King, in the sky above the Opera House and beneath a gleaming full moon. If you can’t make this event, then don’t miss Wen Ma’s Australiana bonsai installation at the Art Gallery of NSW. We’re not art critics, but this seems like a playful and intelligent interrogation of Australia’s complex historical relationship with its Asian neighbours…impressed? Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Friday 14 May 2010 at 6pm, 7pm and 7:45pm for approximately 10 – 15 minutes. Free.
Electric Slide Brides
No, this is not some strange new form of busking. American artist Angela Ellsworth has created a one-off performance art piece of Morman-esque “sister-wives” in full prairie-dress with long braids performing the “Electric Slide”, a popular form of line dancing allegedly created by the inventor of “the Robot” and break-dancing, Ric Silver. MCA, Saturday 15 May at 2:30pm. Free.
Get locked up
It’s not often you get to spend an evening serenaded by prison inmates – rapists, murderers, thieves… London artists, the Tiger Lillies, will shock and entertain you with their opera of crime and conscience in the the heritage-listed former prison on Cockatoo Island. This is 18 yrs+ fun, however, as there is strong language and material that may be offensive or disturbing to those of a “nervous disposition”. ”Cockatoo Prison” is at Building 74, Cockatoo Island. 3 special performances only – Thursday 20 May, Friday 21 May and Saturday 22 May at 7:30pm. Catch the 6:30pm ferry from Pier 2/3 at Walsh Bay, the Commissioner’s Steps on the western side of Circular Quay. Free but bookings essential www.bos17.com/page/tiger_lillies.html
I’m with the band curator?
Every Saturday from 22 May for the duration of the festival, join a tour of the gallery that will be Cockatoo Island, led by a mystery guide. Your guide may be an artist, curator, celebrity or writer – but they are all art enthusiasts who are there to help give your Biennale experience that extra dimension (like, understanding the piece, maybe). Cockatoo Island – every Saturday from 22 May at 11:30am. Free but bookings essential www.bos17.com/page/mystery_tours.html. Check here for ferry times.
Kick back
After you’ve finished feeding your soul, mind and imagination at this year’s Biennale, kick back at SuperDeluxe@Artspace, Tokyo’s cool experimental cultural space which is part of the official program for the first time. Best-described in their own words, SuperDeluxe is:
- a place of experimentation
- a noisy thing
- an intimate ballroom with wholesome food
- a network of all sorts
- a place to enjoy
- a place to enjoy others.
Make sure you check out the impressive schedule of events held here, including films and live musical performances by Australian and Japanese artists. Bookings for these are essential. Gallery and café - Tuesday thru Sunday, 11am – 5pm. Performances, events and bar - Thursday thru Saturday, 7.30 pm – midnight (18+ bring your ID). Biennale Film Program - Sunday, 3pm – 5pm. www.superdeluxe-artspace.com.au
And don’t forget…
There is much more happening at all the festival venues like Pier 2/3, MCA, and the Art Gallery of NSW, so check out the website for more details www.bos17.com
One Response to “But Is It Art?”
I love it!