I had better describe this year’s Sydney Biennale as less exciting, safe, and familiar. Or I could have been spoiled by a spectacle. There is one work that elicits my exclamation: Hylozoic Series by Philip Beesley. This snow crystal forest was breathing and emitting colourful light of life when I was browsing through the work.
Having a glass of wine over the gorgeous view of Sydney harbour on the top hill of Cockatoo island, I contemplated the theme of the Biennale: All our Relations. Yes, all artworks appear to be knotted through stiches, embroidery and weaving. And what else? There are collaborations and participations in the artworks. However this broad concept of ‘relation’ in arts seems to be ambiguous and subtle to be presented for viewers/participants. With the similiar attempt, the French curator, Nicholas Bourriaud developed the term, ‘Relational Aesthetics’ through the book with the same name (1998) and the exhibition, Traffic (1996). Are we, as audiences, too picky? I need to think further.