Volume One: MCA Collection [Level 1]

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA)

Duration

29 Mar 2012 to 03 Jun 2012

Curator: Glenn Barkley

The MCA reopens with a major focus on its collection. Volume One: MCA Collection features over 280 works by more than 170 Australian artists drawn from a period of acquisitions which began with the constitution of the MCA in May 1989. This new presentation reflects the diversity of Australian contemporary art over the past 20 years, including work by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists; the consolidation of film and video practice from a marginal to central position; the emergence of diverse cultural voices; as well as ephemeral and performative practices. It also includes references to the MCA’s exhibition and collecting history.

A purpose-built screen space engages visitors with video and a resource room within the original boardroom of the Maritime Services Building provides opportunities to research the collection and view works from the MCA’s Contemporary Art Archive, a unique aspect of the MCA Collection.

Volume One: MCA Collection was displayed across Levels 1 and 2 for the redeveloped MCA’s opening program, 29 March – 3 June 2012. Level 1 closed on 3 June, with some works moved to the Level 2 Collection gallery.