The 7th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art’ (APT7) marks the twentieth anniversary of the APT series. It will take place from 8 December 2012 — 7 April 2013.
APT7 will feature new and recent work by over 140 artists from 25 countries across the region, including new works by artists from across Papua New Guinea; new painting, installation, sculpture and photography by Indigenous Australian artists; works by young generations of artists from Indonesia and Vietnam; and a special focus on West Asia, including works by artists from Turkey through the Middle East to Iran and Central Asia. Participating artists will be announced progressively in the lead up to the exhibition.
The first round of artists to be announced feature in a specially curated presentation of contemporary work from Papua New Guinea. This display includes masks, carving and painting, along with two major architectural structures, commissioned with the support of Kramer Ausenco, which explore the ongoing innovation in customary practices.
This project has been curated by Ruth McDougall, Curator, Pacific Art, Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art and Melbourne-based architect Martin Fowler, with the support of Michael O’Sullivan, Senior Exhibition Designer, Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, in collaboration with senior advisors Waikua Nera (Abelam), Anton Waiawas (Kwoma), Gesley Rivan (Tolai), Damien Gulkledep (Pomio), Camilus Tepe and Robert Diua (Sulka), Otto Kama and Anton Aqui (Iatmul) and Alex Gabour (Coastal Arapesh).
Artists:
Arawe (Papua New Guinea) | Brikiti Cultural group (Papua New Guinea) | Coastal Arapesh (Papua New Guinea) | Isaac Kapun (Papua New Guinea) | Kwoma Arts (Papua New Guinea) | Sulka (Papua New Guinea) | Tolai – Iatapal Cultural group (Papua New Guinea) | Tolai – Vunapaka Cultural group (Papua New Guinea) | Yenchen cultural group (Papua New Guinea) .
A central theme in APT7 will be our relationship to place at a time of rapid urbanisation and flux of people, trade and influence. This is explored through the ideas of temporary structures; representations of changing landscapes; and varied engagements with the city.
A major commission of architectural structures by artists from the East Sepik province of Papua New Guinea (PNG) will be a highlight of the project. A diverse selection of masks from nine cultural groups in New Britain and the Sepik River regions of PNG have also been acquired for inclusion in APT7.
Another key element of APT7 will be The Premier of Queensland’s Sculpture Commission, The World Turns by Michael Parekowhai. This major public art commission marks the fifth anniversary of the opening of GOMA in December 2011 and twenty years of APT.
The 7th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT7)
8 December 2012 — 7 April 2013 | Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) and Queensland Art Gallery (QAG).