For its 25th iteration, the Biennale of Sydney dives deep into the theme of Rememory, a title borrowed from celebrated Australian author Toni Morrison. This year’s edition explores how memory and history intersect to revisit, reconstruct and reclaim stories that have been erased or repressed.
Iconic Sydney spaces will transform for the three-month program, from the White Bay Power Station to the Chau Chak Wing Museum. Using art as its vehicle, the biennale powerfully amplifies marginalised voices, shares untold narratives and platforms the divergent diasporas that shape Australia today.
The Biennale of Sydney is one of the leading international contemporary art events. It plays an indispensable role in Australia’s engagement with the world, and a meaningful role in the life of the nation.
Since its inception in 1973, the Biennale of Sydney has provided a platform for art and ideas, showcasing the work of 2,400 artists from more than 130 countries. Today it is considered one of the leading international contemporary art events, recognised for commissioning and presenting innovative, thought-provoking art from Australia and around the globe.
Rememory will be the title and theme of the 25th edition of the Biennale of Sydney, curated by artistic director Hoor Al Qasimi.
Inspired by the author Toni Morrison, the theme will invite artists and audiences to revisit, reconstruct and reclaim histories and consider how the act of remembering can shape identity, belonging and community. In Morrison’s writing, ‘rememory’, which she coined in her 1987 novel Beloved, relates to the telling of African American history. The Biennale will present a ‘rememory’ inspired by Sydney, its broader region and its communities, giving voice to stories from Aboriginal peoples and Australia’s diasporas.
A list of participating artists has been announced:
Abdul Abdullah (Australia / Thailand), Ángel Poyón (Maya Kaqchikel, Guatemala), Angélica Serech (Maya Kaqchikel, Guatemala), Bouchra Khalili (Morocco / Austria), CAMP (India), Cannupa Hanska Luger (Standing Rock Indian Reservation, North Dakota / New Mexico, USA), Carmen Glynn-Braun (Kaytetye, Arrernte, Anmatyerr, Australia), Chang En Man (Paiwan, Taiwan), Chen Chieh-jen (Taiwan R.O.C.), Daisy Quezada Ureña (USA), Decolonizing Art Architecture Project (DAAR) (Palestine), Deirdre O’Mahony (Ireland), Dennis Golding (Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay, Australia), Dread Scott (USA), Edgar Calel (Kaqchikel, Guatemala), Elverina Johnson (Yarrabah, Australia), Ema Shin (Japan / Australia), Fernando Poyón (Maya Kaqchikel, Guatemala), Frank Young & The Kulata Tjuta Project (Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, Australia), Gabriel Chaile (Argentina / Lisbon), Gunybi Ganambarr (Yolŋu (Ŋaymil) people, Australia), John Harvey (Kalaw Kawaw Ya/Saibai Island, Torres Strait, Australia) & Walter Waia (Kalaw Kawaw Ya/Saibai Island, Torres, Strait, Australia), John Prince Siddon (Walmajarri, Australia), Kapwani Kiwanga (Canada / France), Lamia Joreige (Lebanon), Marian Abboud (Australia), Maritea Dæhlin (Norway / Mexico), Merilyn Fairskye (Australia) & Michiel Dolk (Netherlands / Australia), Michael Rakowitz (USA), Nancy Yukuwal McDinny (Garrwa / Yanyuwa, Australia), Rose B. Simpson (Santa Clara Pueblo, USA), Tania Willard (Secwepemcúlecw, Canada), Taysir Batniji (Gaza, Palestine / France), Tuan Andrew Nguyen (Vietnam), Warraba Weatherall (Kamilaroi, Australia), Wendy Hubert (Yindjibarndi Country, Australia), Yaritji Young (Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, Australia).
The Biennale of Sydney, Rememory, will take place 14 March – 14 June.
