In its relatively short history, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Triennial has become synonymous with grandeur and artistic innovation. From its inaugural edition in 2017, which drew a staggering 1.23 million visitors, to the pandemic-affected second edition that still attracted over 500,000 attendees, the NGV Triennial has firmly established itself as one of the art world's premier events. The latest iteration, unveiled at NGV International, continues this legacy, featuring around 120 artists who have contributed over 100 new projects, with 75 destined to become part of the Gallery’s permanent collection, thanks to an impressive $8.5 million raised for commissioning.
The exhibition opens with a profound statement by Thomas J Price, whose towering sculptures, "All In" (2021) and "Reaching Out" (2020), confront the lack of representation of people of color in public statues. This poignant exploration gains particular resonance as Australia emerges from a significant referendum, underscoring the theme of asserting identity. This narrative thread is skillfully woven throughout the exhibition, with artists like Hugh Hayden, Tiff Massey, Hank Willis Thomas, Diedrick Brackens, Tyler Mitchell, and Danie Mellor offering perspectives that challenge conventional norms and reimagine historical narratives, particularly through the lens of the colonial gaze.
The sociopolitical narratives are seamlessly integrated with spectacular displays that captivate and provoke thought. Julian Charrière's video, "And Beneath It All Flows Liquid Fire" (2019), positioned against the gallery's water curtain, serves as a captivating juxtaposition, symbolizing the struggle between destruction and the life source. Dutch collective SMACK's video, "Speculum" (2019), ingeniously reinterprets Hieronymus Bosch’s "The Garden of Earthly Delights," substituting contemporary sins such as vanity, screen addiction, and greed. These overarching themes persist across all levels of the gallery, thoughtfully intertwined with historic Collection works to create a rich and immersive experience.
One notable aspect of this Triennial is its emphasis on expanded textiles, celebrating the renowned sculptor Sheila Hicks with her work, "Nowhere to Go" (2022), a stacked sculptural installation of blue fiber "boulders." Additionally, the inclusion of senior First Nations women, Betty Muffler and Iluwanti Ken, reinforces the exhibition's commitment to acknowledging and fostering dialogue among overlooked senior women artists.
An exceptional installation by Mexican artist Fernando Laposse, titled "Conflict Avocados," dominates the space with a 40-meter narrative textile known as the Cherán Tapestry. This installation, accompanied by furniture crafted from avocado skins and a video exploring the environmental and social impact of the avocado trade, stands out as a powerful commentary on contemporary issues. The thematic pillars of Magic, Matter, and Memory guide the curation, creating a dynamic and interconnected experience that transcends traditional categorizations.
Internationally renowned artists like Yoko Ono and Tracy Emin contribute to the exhibition's star-studded lineup, along with the much-anticipated AI-enabled animatronic robot dogs by Polish-born, LA-based artist Agnieszka Pilat. Shrigley's irreverent sculpture "Really Good" (2016) and Cattelan’s "Comedian" (2019) add a touch of whimsy to the exhibit, though the latter may spark debates about its use of valuable gallery space.
The Triennial 2023 navigates a delicate balance between respect, irreverence, and visibility, forming a foundation that underlies its unique appeal. The exhibition's highlights include the immersive video project "Megacities," Azuma Makoto’s room-sized installation of flowers encased in acrylic blocks, and Smac McCreanor’s cafe intervention, offering a diverse range of experiences for the audience.
NGV Triennial 2023 emerges as a slower-paced blockbuster exhibition, providing a nuanced blend of materials, names, and ideas. Its successful orchestration on this grand scale makes it an ideal choice for captivating summer viewing, offering a unique and thought-provoking artistic experience that transcends conventional boundaries.
3 December - 7 April 2024
National Gallery of Victoria