The 22nd Biennale of Sydney is artist and first-Nations led, celebrating inclusivity with more than 100 creative people including artists, collectives, scientists, academics and knowledge holders from near and far. Director, Brook Andrew presents all of this in association with NIRIN – a word from the Wiradjuri people of western New South Wales, his mother’s Nation.
While meaning ‘edge’, Andrew shares that ‘NIRIN is not a periphery, it is our centre, and it expresses dynamic existing and ancient practices that speak loudly. NIRIN decentres, challenges and transforms dominant narratives, such as the 2020 Captain Cook anniversary in Australia and reorients Western mapping, shining a light on sites of being that are often ignored or rendered invisible. NIRIN is an inspirational journey driven by stories and grass-root practices, realised through twisting perceptions, moments of transition and a sense of being in the world that is interconnected.’
For nearly 50 years, the Biennale of Sydney has presented some of the most dynamic contemporary art from around the globe in iconic venues across Sydney such as the National Art School, Artspace, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and Cockatoo Island, and in 2020, Campbelltown Arts Centre. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic and potential impact on the safety of visitors, artists and staff, the physical doors to the Biennale of Sydney are closed to the public until further notice but will open online – for everyone, everywhere across the world on the Google Arts & Culture platform. Creating a virtual Biennale will bring the exhibition and programs to life through live content, virtual walkthroughs, podcasts, interactive Q&As, curated tours and artist takeovers.
Updated 25 March 2020