Queensland Art Gallery Annual Report 2002-03

ASIA-PACIFIC TRIENNIAL OF CONTEMPORARY ART (APT 2002) Introduction Since 1993, the 'Asia-Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art' has been the only major series of exhibitions in the world to focus on the contemporary art of Asia and the Pacific, including Australia. Presented from 12 September 2002 to 27 January 2003, APT 2002 was a significant milestone in the development of this flagship project for the Gallery. In contrast to the three preceding Triennials - which featured the work of 70 or more artists - APT 2002 featured the work of 16 major artists and one performance collective. The shift enabled each artist to be represented in depth, and allowed the exhibition to explore modern art and contemporary culture from the 1960s to the present. The work of three key international artists - Yayoi Kusama (Japan). Nam June Paik (South Korea/United States) and Lee U-fan (South Korea/Japan) - formed the core of the exhibition. The other artists selected embodied the spirit of innovation and risk-taking forged by the three senior artists, and they included Montien Boonma (Thailand), Eugene Carchesio (Australia). Heri Dono (Indonesia). Joan Grounds (United States/Australia), Ralph Hotere (Aotearoa New Zealand), Jose Legaspi (The Philippines), Michael Ming Hong Lin (Taiwan). Nalini Malani (India), Pasifika Divas (performance collective; Pacific islands/Aotearoa New Zealand), Lisa Reihana (Aotearoa New Zealand), Michael Riley (Australia, Wiradjuri/Gamilaroi people). Song Dong (China), Suh Do-Ho (South Korea/United States). and Howard Taylor (Australia). Attendance and marketing APT 2002 attracted an unprecedented number of visitors for a contemporary art exhibition at the Gallery. Over 220 000 people visited the exhibition - over 66 500 more people than APT3 in 1999. Audience survey results indicated that 94.30/o of visitors enjoyed the exhibition, and 92.60/o of visitors were likely, or highly likely, to recommend the exhibition to a friend or col league. The comprehensive marketing campaign for the exhibition encompassed print, television, internet and outdoor (bus shelter) promotion and advertising. The campaign included separate components for each major element of the project, including the exhibition, opening events, the Pasifika Divas performance, 'Kids' APT' and 'Kids' APT Summer Spectacular'. Widespread media coverage and critical review was achieved in Australia and overseas, throughout the duration of the exhibition - both in mainstream news and specialist arts media outlets. Exhibition design Analysis of visitor surveys, and feedback from previous Triennials, identified a number of key areas of viewer experience that were addressed in APT 2002 to create a dynamic and refined exhibition design. These areas included vibrant use of colour in exhibition furniture and detailing to create an appealing atmosphere, increased access to information on the artists and art works on display through 'information stations' for The development of the Collection through the visitors, and the creation of visual spectacle through Triennials is one of the long-term achievements and the installation of Yayoi Kusama's Narcissus garden benefits that continues to enrich the cultural scope of 1966/2002 in the Watermall, the Gallery's central the Gallery's Asian and Pacific activities. Works acquired architectural feature. Another key aspect of the from APT 2002 are discussed in the Collection section exhibition's design was the APT 2002 Screening Room, of this report. which was constructed in the central gallery space of 20 the exhibition, reflecting the importance of the moving image within the overall exhibition. The design of the 'Kids' APT' space was also crucial to the success of the children's program. The area featured Bug Master, the graphic mascot for the children's program, to create a welcoming and fun environment for children and families. Opening events and educational programs The exhibition was officially opened by the Honourable Peter Beattie, MP, Premier of Queensland and Minister for Trade, on the evening of Thursday 12 September before a capacity audience of 2500. As with previous Triennials, the presence of APT exhibiting artists was pivotal, with the majority travelling to Brisbane to present talks and participate in public forums, lectures and panel discussions. The three-day Opening Events program also featured talks by several distinguished international guests including Professor Wu Hung (USA), Professor Ngahuia Te Awekotuku (Aotearoa New Zealand), and Professor Kim Hong-hee (Korea). These lectures were among the first events to be presented under the auspices of the Australian Centre of Asia-Pacific Art. The major performance event of the opening program was Pasifika Divas: In performance, presented on the evening of Saturday 14 September. Pasifika Divas features fa'afafine (Samoan for 'like a woman') performers, designers and artists from Polynesian Pacific islander communities and New Zealand. Conceived by Samoan television producer Lisa Taouma, the event comprised a series of short performance pieces combining music, song, dance and satire by the Divas and local Pacific performers, and showcased leading Pacific body adorners' and designers' works. Video documentation of Pasifika Divas: In performance was displayed as a permanent part of the exhibition, and provides a lasting record of this exciting event. The Opening Events program - and the ongoing program of public events held throughout the exhibition - continued the Triennial's reputation for promoting innovative ideas, stimulating discussion, and presenting new ways of considering contemporary art. Public programs for APT 2002 catered for a broad range of audiences of children and families, young people and adults. In response to visitor comments from previous APTs, more programs were developed which directly addressed the key themes and gave the viewer as much information as possible about the artists and their practices.