Marked Swiss presence at the 19th Biennale of Sydney

The Biennale in Sydney, due to open tomorrow, is one the most important art platforms worldwide. Switzerland is represented by a surprising mix of well and lesser known artists, including internationally renowned Pipilotti Rist, Ugo Rondinone, and younger artists such as Siri Hermansen, Duo Augustin Rebetez and Noé Cauderay. The selection was made during a research visit by the Biennale’s artistic director in 2013 on the invitation of Pro Helvetia.

The 19th Biennale of Sydney, which will be opening its gates tomorrow, is one of the largest contemporary art shows in the world, regularly attracting over half a million visitors. Switzerland is represented on this global platform by an unusual mix of established and younger contemporary practitioners. They include renowned artist Pipilotti Rist, who has created a video installation at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney specifically for the Biennale, and painter Christine Streuli, who is presenting some of her latest work on Cockatoo Island, a former prison island in the middle of Sydney harbour. This is also the venue of an installation by art duo Gerda Steiner & Jörg Lenzlinger, who gained international attention with their exhibition in the church of San Stae at the Venice Biennale. Also on show are works by Zilla Leutenegger, Ugo Rondinone, Siri Hermansen and Sasha Huber. The young art duo Augustin Rebetez and Noé Cauderay, too, have been given the opportunity to display their work in Australia.

«You Imagine What You Desire»

This marked Swiss presence is partly the result of a research trip by Juliana Engberg, the artistic director of Sydney Biennale, organised by the Swiss Arts Council in 2013. The motto she has chosen for this year’s biennale – «You Imagine What You Desire» – emphasises the power of artistic imagination and the exploration of our world by means of metaphor and poetry. A supporting programme with artist talks, forums and performances offers the artists present opportunities of direct exchange with international art critics, curators and art aficionados.

Further information and high-resolution press photographs at www.biennaleofsydney.com.au

Media Relations: Isabel Drews, Communication

Tel. +41 44 267 71 51, fax +41 44 267 71 06, idrews@prohelvetia.ch

  

Media Release Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia, 20.3.2014