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Exclusive Patricia Piccinini exhibition opens at GOMA

A field of more than 3000 specially created flower sculptures will be among a range of immersive must-see artworks premiering in an Australian-exclusive exhibition Patricia Piccinini: Curious Affection at Queensland’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) from tomorrow.

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said Patricia Piccinini: Curious Affection would occupy the entire ground floor of GOMA until August 5.

“Patricia Piccinini is one of Australia’s and the world’s most popular contemporary artists, and we’re thrilled she is presenting her most ambitious project to date exclusively at GOMA,” Ms Enoch said.

Curious Affection includes more than 70 artworks, ranging from sculpture, photography, video and drawing to large-scale installations, with some works created specifically to complement the scale and potential of GOMA’s vast spaces.

“It’s a fantastic coup for Queensland to have work from an artist of Patricia’s calibre at GOMA.

“With its fascinating hybrid creatures and a focus on the human implications of scientific advancement, it’s fitting the exhibition coincides with World Science Festival Brisbane.

“This exhibition, and the Festival, perfectly demonstrate the collision of the arts and science, and challenge and engage audiences of all ages to be curious.”

Ms Enoch said Patricia Piccinini had developed an exciting project for GOMA’s Children’s Art Centre, Curious Creatures, which invites families into a bright, burrow-like environment to explore some fantastical, mole-like creatures.

Patricia Piccinini: Curious Affection is one of the exciting outcomes of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment of $10.8 million over four years for blockbuster exhibitions at QAGOMA.

Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe, which was the first exhibition to be realised with this investment, broke QAGOMA attendance records for a ticketed exhibition, attracting more than 269,000 visitors and injecting more than $18.5 million into Queensland’s economy,” Ms Enoch said.

“This stunning exhibition is set to further bolster Queensland’s reputation for offering unique and exciting cultural experiences.”

QAGOMA Director Chris Saines said Patricia Piccinini’s practice explored the rapidly accelerating convergence of the human, natural and technological worlds.

“Patricia’s ongoing concern is the social and moral impact of advanced technology on people, animals and our planet,” Mr Saines said.  

“Produced with a skilled team of artisans and digital technicians, Patricia’s art collapses the boundaries between reality and artifice, and many of her captivating environments are populated by often hybridised creatures that are also strangely compelling.

“This weekend we invite our audiences to take part in the opening program for Curious Affection, which includes a keynote address by Patricia, conversations focused on science and art and our changing understanding of nature and the species divide, and walking tours through the exhibition.”

The exhibition is supported by principal benefactor The Neilson Foundation and major partner Tourism and Events Queensland.

For tickets and more information, visit www.qagoma.qld.gov.au.

 

Photos:
Patricia Piccinini, Australia b.1965 / The Bond 2016 / Silicone, fibreglass, human hair, clothing  / 162 x 56 x 50cm / Courtesy of the artist, Tolarno Galleries, Melbourne; Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sydney; and Hosfelt Gallery, San Francisco

Patricia Piccinini, Australia b.1965 / Balasana 2009 / Silicone, fibreglass, human hair, red-necked Wallaby, clothing, rug  / 53 x 76.5 x 122cm, Ed. 1 of 3 / Courtesy of the artist