APT7 at GOMA

Christina Waterson looks into the 7th Asia Pacific Triennal of Contemporary Art at Queensland’s GOMA.

Kwoma (PNG) performing the Aptaumb Hoka.

Kwoma (PNG) performing the Aptaumb Hoka.

Image: Christina Waterson

At Kurilpa Point a sandy beach marks the river crossing where Aboriginal people entered their ceremonial hunting and gathering ground for hundreds if not thousands of years. Today just a small distance from this beach the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) resides. Here artworks and artists from our greater region are gathered for the 7th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT7).

Edwin Rosena’s Green Hypermarket Series 2011–12.

Edwin Rosena’s Green Hypermarket Series 2011–12.

Image: Christina Waterson

APT7 marks the 20th anniversary of the series. From the outset APT was groundbreaking – a place to witness the unique strengths, traditions and perspectives as well as the region’s struggles, through sometimes controversial and political art. APT7 features the work of 75 artists originating from over 27 countries within the Asia Pacific Region.

Takahiro Iwasaki’s Reflection Model (Perfect Bliss) 2010–2012, scale model of Byodo-in a Buddhist temple near Kyoto, Japan.

Takahiro Iwasaki’s Reflection Model (Perfect Bliss) 2010–2012, scale model of Byodo-in a Buddhist temple near Kyoto, Japan.

Image: Christina Waterson

It is always inspiring to witness the ambitious scope and diversity that each unique APT embraces. APT7 is no exception. It expands its geographical scope through 0 – Now: Traversing West Asia by bringing together seven artists and collectives from the Middle East and Central Asia. Claiming new territory this APT acknowledges the ever-shifting extents and impacts of cultural interaction.

APT7 also feels different. It’s less like a fabulous sideshow blockbuster – with bells, whistles and flashing lights – witnessed in some past APTs. Rather APT7 imbues a quiet confidence with a focus on the art.

Lorraine Connelly-Northey’s Narbong (String Bags) made from recycled materials.

Lorraine Connelly-Northey’s Narbong (String Bags) made from recycled materials.

Image: Christina Waterson

This is underpinned by elegantly simple exhibition design, in depth research, and the intention, materiality and detail of the artworks. This difference may, in part, be a result of the times – economic, political and social as well as the fresh and welcomed direction of GOMA’s first female Director (Acting) – Suhanya Raffel.

Detail – giraffes glitter in the herd.

Detail – giraffes glitter in the herd.

Image: Christina Waterson

In terms of the artworks themselves I could outline in detail the themes relating to geography, history and culture, nature-culture-city re-imaginings as well as the adaptability of local traditions to globalization – all relevant, enduring and timely.

The impossible Intricate weavings of Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi.

The impossible Intricate weavings of Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi.

Image: Christina Waterson

I could also describe the diverse materials and techniques used by the artists ranging from interlocked rusted bed springs, knotted string, cardboard boxes held with masking tape, hand formed glass miniature wildlife, woven twine, carved wood etc. Instead I want to share a personal moment from the Opening Weekend that for me captures the essence of APT- in place and time.

As drums from the Pacific beat, guests are drawn out from the interior Gallery spaces to stand between carved and painted structures from Papua New Guinea. Just in front of Michael Cook’s beautiful series of photographs (Civilization 2012) I see old acquaintances, artists, and friends chance across each other in the crowd. They smile, welcome each other and embrace and speak of the time that has passed and all of the moments in between.

Throughout the Opening Weekend there was an amazing feeling of gathering through a reconnection to people, place and the greater region that we live in. For me this is at the heart of what the exhibition, the artworks, the APT series and especially Kurilpa Point mean. Together they form a gathering place where people come together to share ideas, celebrate differences and crossovers, and impart stories and personal histories – all in a myriad of forms, mediums and voices.

APT7 is a ‘must experience’ exhibition. The APT 20-year archive on display and the two-film program at the Gallery’s Australian Cinémathèque alone will keep people inspired and connected throughout those wet autumn weekends.

APT7 continues until 14 April 2013. Admission is free. See the full program on the GOMA website.

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