5 JUNE 2015

ARTISTS FROM AUSTRALIA, ASIA AND THE PACIFIC TAKE THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE AT APT8

• World’s largest exhibition focused on art from Australia, Asia and the Pacific
• Australia’s most anticipated contemporary art event
• 83 artists from 32 countries

All eyes will focus on the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) in November 2015, when it hosts over 80 artists at the world’s largest exhibition focused on art from Australia, Asia and the Pacific, ‘The 8th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art’ (APT8).

On display at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) and Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) from 21 November 2015 to 10 April 2016, the exhibition will include 83 artists and artists groups from 32 countries.

QAGOMA Director Chris Saines CNZM said the selection of artists for APT8 has taken place over the past three years, with the Gallery's experienced team of curators travelling throughout Asia and the Pacific.

‘Our curatorial team has been researching new developments in contemporary art, liaising directly with artists and communities in their home countries to discuss new works and projects specifically for this exhibition.

‘This process has taken the APT into regions previously unexplored and we are now proud to include artists from Mongolia, Nepal and countries in Central Asia including the Kyrgyz Republic, Iraq and Georgia for the first time,’ said Mr Saines.

APT8 visitors can expect to see captivating new large-scale sculptures, immersive installations, interactive performances and kinetic artwork, supported by an extensive schedule of thought-provoking public programs.

‘Over the 22 years since launching, the Gallery’s flagship exhibition has attracted over 2.4 million visitors who have embraced its innovative and engaging approach to presenting contemporary art.

‘Underpinning the longevity of APT is the Gallery's network of relationships with artists and communities in the region,’ said Mr Saines.

Unlike many international art events, APT8 is hosted in a single location. The exhibition is held across our two galleries, occupying all of GOMA and key spaces at QAG, including the iconic Watermall.

APT8 is made possible with the support of Founding Supporter the Queensland Government, Principal Sponsor Audi, and Principal Partner Australia Council for the Arts.

Audi Australia’s Managing Director, Andrew Doyle, said the company is pleased to support QAGOMA to continue delivering world-class artistic experiences to Queensland and Australian audiences.

‘Audi Australia is passionate about delivering exceptional cultural experiences for our consumers who are interested in art. It’s our chance to thank the community for its support of Audi in this country and to promote the most important art on offer in Australia, Asia and the Pacific,’ said Mr Doyle.

Exhibition highlights

• The most significant Australian involvement to date – 17 artists including seven Indigenous artists. They will form a large component of the dynamic APT8 Live performance program throughout the exhibition.
• A multi-media installation of performance and dance from across Melanesia – Yumi Danis (We Dance). Commencing with a creative exchange in Ambrym, Vanuatu in November 2014, the project is animated by performances from dancers and musicians from six different island nations.
• Vibrant new works by an exciting group of Indian Indigenous artists examine the changes of pictorial styles and forms of storytelling in uniquely contemporary interpretations.
• Works by artists from countries not previously included in APT that are rarely, if ever, seen in Australia. These include a major group of paintings by four Mongolian artists that showcases the richness of the Mongol zurag painting movement.
• A free opening weekend of programs, special events and performances involving exhibiting artists; APT8 Live and other ongoing events, and a special program for young visitors, APT8 Kids.
• APT8 Conference to be held in conjunction with the opening weekend program of talks, performances and discussions, (Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November). It will feature leading experts from Australia and abroad to consider some of the key conceptual threads of APT8.
• A wide-ranging suite of publications, online resources and educational material.

For more information on the exhibition and artists visit www.qagoma.qld.gov.au