The Sydney Biennale is coming to a close.
By Jonah Johnson. 28 May 2024. NITV https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/the-sydney-biennale-is-coming-to-a-close-heres-some-mob-to-see-before-it-does/gpdc9wv6a
Here's some mob to see before it does.
Over 16 renowned Blak artists representing over 30 nations across the country have made a splash at the international exhibition. Here's who to catch.
“Malcolm Cole — larger than life” (2024) Credit: Biennale of Sydney
From the bold political satire represented in Gordon Hookey's (Waanyi) iconography, to the playful, colourful abstract of Kaylene Whiskey (Yankunytjatjara), who paints her idols, Tina Turner, Dolly Parton, and Wonder Woman with an Anangu influence, mob made an impact on the 24th Biennale of Sydney.
Held over three months, the bi-annual exhibition has showcased a unique and inspiring curation of Australian and international artists in a number of locations across Sydney.
The spectacular celebration of art and ideas is coming to a close on 10 June.
So here's some bold, Blak and beautiful artists to catch before it does.
Dr Destiny Deacon (KuKu & Erub/Mer)
Her multi-disciplinary practice – across photography, film, sculpture, performance and installation – was forged from personal family and community stories that enveloped her urban playground.
As well as being an artist, she was also a respected activist, performer, writer and broadcaster.
Dylan Mooney (Yuwi/Meriam Mir/South Sea Islander)
Dylan Mooney's tribute to the anniversary of Aboriginal and South Sea Islander man Malcolm Cole, who marched in the 1988 Mardi Gras dressed as the iconic Blak James Cook.
The mural was commissioned by the Biennale of Sydney and the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain.
“Malcolm Cole — larger than life” (2024) Credit: Biennale of Sydney
Kaylene Whiskey (Yankunytjatjara)
Kaylene TV Installation Credit: David Suyasa/Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery
Kaylene Whiskey’s joyous paintings are widely recognised for their celebration of strong kungkas (women). Whiskey often represents someof her favourite pop culture icons including Wonder Woman, Tina Turner, Cher and Dolly Parton — who are painted into remote desert community landscapes, interacting with native plants and wildlife, and engaging in traditional Anangu activities like hunting, collecting bush tucker and cultivating mingkulpa, a native tobacco plant.
Here are our First Nations artists listed for the Biennale:
Christopher Pease (Minang/Wardandi/Bibbulmun)
Darrell Sibosado (Bard/Noonga)
Destiny Deacon (KuKu (Cape York) & Erub/Mer (Torres Strait))
Dhopiya Yunupiŋu (Gumatj/Yolŋu)
Doreen Chapman (Manyjilyjarra)
Dylan Mooney (Yuwi/Meriam Mir/South Sea Islander)
Gordon Hookey (Waanyi)
James Eseli (Kala Lagaw Ya/Badhulaig, Torres Strait Islands)
Joel Sherwood Spring (Wiradjuri)
Kaylene Whiskey (Yankunytjatjara)
Megan Cope (Ngugi/Noonuccal, Quandamooka)
Pauletta Kerinauia (Miyartuwi (Pandanus), Tiwi Islands)
Robert Campbell Jnr (Ngaku/Dunghutti)
Rover Joolama Thomas (Kukatja/Wangkajunga)
Segar Passi (Meriam Mir/Dauareb, Torres Strait Islands)
Wendy Hubert (Guruma/Yindjibarndi)
Yangamini (Tiwi; Gulumirrgin; Warlpiri; Kunwinjku; Yolŋu; Wardaman; Karajarri; Gurindji; Burarra)
The 24th Biennale of Sydney, “Ten Thousand Suns”, continues until June 10 at the White Bay Power Station, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney, UNSW Galleries and Artspace in Woolloomooloo.