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Arts & Entertainment Visual Arts NEW08
Arts & Entertainment Visual Arts NEW08
| NEW08 |
 NEW08Australian Centre for Contemporary Art 111 Sturt Street Southbank (Until May 11) IMAGE: Daniel Argyle Installation view Photo: John Brash A visit to the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) guarantees one will be challenged, surprised and sometimes bewildered by the contemporary art on display. One of the exhibitions that’s become a must-see highlight is the annual NEW commissions. For the last six years, this exhibition series has showcased emerging Australian artists who are beginning to build a profile for themselves in the art world. Many have a history of involvement in the thriving artist-run initiatives across Australia, or in smaller commercial galleries. The exposure that NEW08 affords emerging artists cannot be underestimated. To be given the opportunity to create a work for the ACCA space is a wonderful experience for any artist, with the vast scale of the building allowing artists to create their dream works. Selected for NEW08 are seven artists, who each bring something unique and inventive to ACCA. Daniel Argyle’s work consists of elaborate collages of record covers collected from second hand shops. The covers have been cut into hard-edged abstractions, reminiscent of works created in the 60s. The homage to this art style, as well as the retro nature of the record covers, creates a nostalgic nod to the past. The works are like relics from an era that, although not long ago in years, seems like an eternity away in terms of the progress of technology and contemporary art. Sandra Selig has constructed a room that, upon first entering, confuses and disorients the viewer. Once your eyes adjust to the light you are able to experience the room not just through eye sight, but also through the movement of your entire body. Paul Knight has created a series of new photographic and sculptural works for NEW08 (see p13 for an interview with the artist). Closed off in a room are images that explore human intimacy. Bodies are photographed in embraces and poses that highlight sexual intercourse and connection. The works, while graphic, carry with them an emotionally-charged charged feel, allowing the viewer to empathise with the subjects on display. Each visitor will get something different out of NEW08. The nature of much contemporary art is experimental, open to interpretation and non-prescriptive in how it can be understood and approached. This is what makes contemporary art so interesting, albeit difficult for many people. These works call on the viewer to think and to feel, perhaps beyond their comfort zones; to engage with imagery in an active and often sensory way; and ultimately to come away with a new experience. www.accaonline.org.au
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