Author Description

"For the first time in the Biennale of Sydney's 39-year history, the exhibition was developed by a curatorial duo, Artistic Directors Catherine de Zegher and Gerald McMaster. The 18th Biennale of Sydney was presented at the Art Gallery of New South Wales; the newly redeveloped Museum of Contemporary Art Australia; World Heritage-listed former shipyard and prison, Cockatoo Island; and Pier 2/3 in Walsh Bay. For the first time, Redfern-based arts institution Carriageworks was a presenting partner. Beginning with the two curators in dialogue, the curatorial premise all our relations provided a collaborative framework, allowing conversations to extend to both artists and audiences. Exploring new ideas from unexpected voices around the world, the 18th Biennale of Sydney showcased more than 220 works by over 100 artists hailing from Australia, New Zealand, the Asia Pacific, the Americas, Europe, South Africa and the Middle East. Nearly half the artists (49) have created works specifically for this exhibition, including many substantial collaborative installations. Seventy-one (71) international and interstate artists travelled to Sydney to oversee the installation of their work and to participate in the opening week program of artist talks and events"--18th Biennale of Sydney (2012) website.