The biennial Melbourne Art Fair returns to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, from 17 to 20 February, with a world-class presentation of contemporary art and ideas, which reflect on the theme of ‘Djeembana/Place’ – a Boonwurrung word for a place for community; for the exchange of stories, rituals, and knowledge.
Bernard Tjalkuri at Tjungu Palya Art Centre
Over fifty leading Australian galleries will be showcasing a spectacular cabinet of works by emerging and established artists alongside projects on view across newly created platforms. BEYOND will showcase six sculptural installations and spatial interventions by artists Matt Arbuckle, Maree Clarke, Sean Meilak, Nabilah Nordin, Caroline Rothwell, and Sally Smart; the LIVE program will deliver captivating performance and sound-art creations on-site and at participating venues across the City; with a focus on moving-image, VIDEO will bring new and known international contemporary artists, galleries, and dealers to the Fair; and the PROJECT ROOMS will be activated with performance and multi-media works by boundary pushing artists from Gertrude Contemporary (Naarm/Melbourne) and LAST Collective (Naarm/Melbourne). On the CONVERSATIONS stage, diverse community members, thinkers, and change-makers, who have a captive eye on the future of contemporary art and the sustainability of the world we live in, will be sharing their ideas and intentions across a series of talks and panel discussions.
Yankunytjatjara artist Kaylene Whiskey, recipient of the Melbourne Art Foundation 2022 Commission, will unveil an exciting new video work that continues her energetic representations of community life at Indulkana on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands in South Australia, and her playful characterisations of strong women she admires.
