Lecture Notes: Introduction to the Asian and Pacific Art Triennial

Presenter

• Tarin Nesh - Curatorial Manager of Asian and Pacific Art

Introduction

• Overview of the current triennial (tral) being developed.
• Research for this triennial began two years ago, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Development includes 70 projects from over 30 countries.

New Regions of Focus

• Saudi Arabia: New artists being showcased.
• Timor-Leste: Significant research conducted for this triennial.
• Uzbekistan: First-time representation of artists from this region.
• Solomon Islands: Previously represented minimally.

Exhibition Scope

• Extends from the Pacific (Hawaii) to the Middle East.
• New use of spaces in the galleries:
  • Innovative project presentations (e.g., House Uriel in gallery 3 and garden).
  • Utilization of Melbourne Street entry with new projects.

Specific Projects and Artists

Major Projects

• House Uriel: Extends into gallery 3 and sculpture courtyard.
• D Harding and P Manu: Notable works in Gallery 1 and Gallery 2.
• Co-curated Projects: Focus on representation and depth of cultural context.

Highlighted Artists

• Mit Jai Inn: Thai artist known for abstract painting and sculpture installations.
• Nadia Ozir Badage: Works focus on feminine representations in Southeast Asian mythology.
• Albert Yonathan Setiawan: Uses ceramics to create large-scale installations.

South Asia Focus

• The Tumber Project: Co-curated, showcasing indigenous artists from Nepal.
• Joydeb Roaja: From Bangladesh, focuses on displacement and sovereignty themes.
• Sarker Protick: Photographer documenting changes in Bangladesh’s Padma river system.

Additional Artists

• Waseem Ahmed: From Pakistan, explores identity through miniature painting.
• Abdul Halik Azeez: Sri Lankan artist who examines media and social identity.
• Himmer Shironi: Sri Lankan textile artist focusing on ethnic divisions.
• Veronica Saraf: Indian artist using painting to discuss contemporary political landscapes.
• Rithika Merchant: Speculative fiction themes in painting, exploring future narratives.
• Camp Collective: Known for exploring CCTV technology in artistic expressions.

Themes and Concepts

• Environment and Care: Post-COVID era reevaluations of environmental care.
• Labor Migrations: Examining histories and impacts of labor migrations.
• Surveillance and Urban Perception: Exploration of city surveillance systems.

Conclusion

• Introduction to significant themes in the triennial.
• Emphasis on diversity and cultural representation.
• Encouragement to explore the exhibition for deeper understanding.