14th Biennale Of Sydney

4 June - 15 August 2004

Featuring 51 artists from 32 countries, the Biennale of Sydney is Australia’s largest festival of contemporary art. Held every two years, the Biennale takes place throughout the city of Sydney and plays a vital role in bringing the work of international artists to the attention of Australian audiences and placing the work of Australian artists alongside their peers from overseas.

The MCA is a key component of the Biennale, dedicating all galleries to this major event and showcasing work by over 30 of the participating artists, including American Bruce Nauman, UK-based painter Michael Raedecker, Russian artists’ collective AES + F and Australian artists Pat Brassington, Sherre DeLys & Joan Grounds, Gordon Hookey, Derek Kreckler, Elizabeth Nyumi and Susan Norrie.

On Reason and Emotion is Curator Isabel Carlos’ theme for Sydney’s 14th Biennale, encouraging the viewer to think and to feel, using all their senses to engage with the exciting work on display throughout the city. Carlos’ theme emerged from a conversation with participating artist, Jimmie Durham, on the widely held notion I think therefore I am, and its conversion by the Portuguese neuroscientist
Antonio Damásio to I feel therefore I am, in his acclaimed book Descartes’ Error.

"I believe in the importance of the viewer being confronted with demanding concepts and visually powerful works of art", Isabel Carlos says. "I am interested in art that creates a bridge between these two poles. The project aims to invite the spectator to participate in an aesthetic experience using not only their sight, but also all the senses, provoking active participation and inciting the emotions."

Other venues are the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Opera House, Artspace, Museum of Sydney and Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney. A dynamic public program of performances, screenings and talks runs during the exhibition at all venues.

ADMISSION: FREE

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