Ten Thousand Suns
The 24th Biennale of Sydney, titled "Ten Thousand Suns," is set to captivate audiences with over 400 artworks by 96 international artists and collectives. Running from March 9 to June 10, 2024, the event is the largest contemporary art exhibition in Australia, showcased at various iconic venues across Sydney.
Under the artistic direction of Cosmin Costinaș and Inti Guerrero, the Biennale celebrates the theme of joy and collective resistance, drawing inspiration from diverse histories, voices, and perspectives. In honour of its 50th anniversary, the 2024 edition challenges apocalyptic narratives and embraces a hopeful future lived in joy and shared widely. The festival spans locations such as the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Artspace, Chau Chak Wing Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney Opera House, UNSW Galleries, and the recently restored White Bay Power Station. Notably, the Biennale features collaborations with the Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain and showcases 14 commissioned works by First Nations artists, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creators.
Artistic Directors Cosmin Costinaș and Inti Guerrero emphasize the exhibition's departure from fatalistic visions, proposing solar and radiant forms of resistance. The diverse range of artworks includes a giant TV installation by Kaylene Whiskey, a mural commemorating queer activist Malcolm Cole by Dylan Mooney, and a transformative textile sculpture by Cristina Flores Pescorán.
Other highlighted artists and installations include Andrew Thomas Huang's first sculptural work, a Suspended Tiger in the Turbine Hall; the Pacific Sisters' fashion activism addressing nuclear testing in the wider Pacific; and Frank Bowling's luminous map painting "Australia to Africa."
The Biennale invites audiences to experience dynamic contemporary art, large-scale installations, and site-specific projects that challenge traditional narratives and offer a vision of the future rooted in joy and shared possibilities. Entry is free, promising a rich tapestry of creativity, music, food, talks, tours, and performances that ignite the senses and foster artistic exploration.
Ten Thousand Suns, with over 400 artworks by 96 international artists and collectives. The 24th Biennale transforms iconic Sydney venues into immersive galleries, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Artspace, Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney Opera House, UNSW Galleries and the recently unveiled centerstage White Bay Power Station. The Biennale of Sydney invites all art enthusiasts to join the festivities, promising not only a visual feast but also a sensory immersion in music, food, talks, tours, and performances. Get ready to be captivated by the radiant energy of "Ten Thousand Suns".
