The 2019 HIDDEN Rookwood Sculptures is set to be bigger and better than ever with new events’ curator, celebrated Sydney artist Dr Kath Fries taking the reigns, and two new categories for student entries and short films.
Now in its 11th year, HIDDEN includes a total of 58 submissions: 37 sculptures, 11 student entries and ten short films.
Rookwood General Cemetery sought out artworks that responded to the exhibition’s regular themes surrounding the Rookwood site, such as history, culture, remembrance and love. The subject of immigration is heavily explored, with many artworks communicating the journey of ancestors and shifts in cultural identity. There is also a poignant emphasis on the themes of loss and mourning, as many of the selected artists have a personal connection to the cemetery.
2019 HIDDEN Rookwood Sculptures curator, Sydney artist Dr Kath Fries. Image supplied
Fries commented that the selection process was driven by a connection between the artwork, audience and the space; ‘Each artwork serves to enhance the unique features within the cemetery. The atmosphere and the way visitors encounter each work will make them notice things they wouldn’t normally.’ Fries believes that every artwork will engage audiences, even if on a subconscious level; ‘The artworks will trigger a reaction and spark conversation.’
This year’s judging panel includes Nanette Orly, Co-Director of Cold Cuts Project Space in Petersham and Board Member of Runway Australian Experiment Art. Orly has been a successful participant in 4A Curators’ Intensive 2018 program in Sydney and was awarded the Project Curator of the Critical Animals Research Symposium 2018.
Well-known Sydney artist, Koji Ryui, is also on the judging panel. Ryui’s work was exhibited in last year’s Sydney Biennale, and he has had numerous solo and group exhibits at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney, and other galleries across the globe.
The full list of artists exhibiting at HIDDEN Rookwood Sculptures 2019:
Anney Bounpraseuth, Audrey Newton, Barak Zelig, Cameron Stanton & Rachael Lafferty, Claire Tennant, Cybele Cox, Emma Devine & Samantha Kirby, Gillian Kayrooz, Helen Earl, Hilde Angel Danielsen, Jane Gillings & Irene Traucki, Julie Monro-Allison, Karmyn Gibson, Lachlan Warner, Leon Lester, Linda Brescia, Lisa Tolcher, Lisa Andrew & Rachel Buckeridge, Louise Morgan, Ludwig Mlcek, Liz O’Reilly, Mandy Burgess & Ro Murray, Marina Robins, Mimi Dennett, Nadia Odlum, Nerine Martini, Nuha Saad, Paul Greedy, Polly Williams, Priscilla Bourne, Renuka Fernando, Shannon Hobbs, Sharon Risdale, Sylvia Griffin, Tammy Wong Hulbert, and Wesley Harrop.
HIDDEN Rookwood Sculptures is a free event and runs from 7 September to 7 October 2019.
