The Ninth Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art

Children’s workshop for Joyce Ho’s UN-Covered Library 2018 / Photograph: Joe Ruckli The Queen and Me (detail) 2017 Synthetic polymer paint on linen / 91 x 122cm / Courtesy: The artist, Iwantja Arts, and This is No Fantasy, Melbourne Joyce Ho Born 1983, Taipei, Taiwan Lives and works in Taipei UN-Covered Library 2018 Joyce Ho believes that the gesture of reading is becoming lost in modern society. 1 In her APT9 Kids project, UN-Covered Library , Ho transforms what can be a ‘mundane experience’ 2 into something performative. The books inside this specially designed ‘library’ are covered in paper, hiding their titles and cover illustrations from view. Children can choose a book and find a place to sit in one of the small stage sets representing typical reading locations, such as a bed or public transport. While in this space they are also performing as a moving image, with young visitors able to look in on these scenes from the outside. When they have finished reading, they can reflect on their impressions of the story and give the book a new title and cover design before placing it on display for others to enjoy. 1 Conversation with the artist, 25 January 2018. 2 Email from the artist, 24 January 2018. Vincent Namatjira Western Arrernte people Born 1983, Alice Springs, Australia Lives and works in Indulkana, APY Lands, South Australia Power Portraits 2018 Vincent Namatjira paints portraits of important historical figures, from his great-grandfather Albert Namatjira to international heads of state, and politicians such as the seven Australian prime ministers who have been in power during his lifetime. Vincent's subversive and witty portraits demonstrate his acute awareness of domestic and international politics and their effect on his life and remote community. His work has been celebrated for the nuanced insight it demonstrates into the connections between leadership, wealth, power and influence. In his APT9 Kids project, Namatjira once again subverts conventions of authority. Children, usually deprived of any real power or influence, are given an opportunity to place themselves within a virtual portrait and adopt ‘power icons’, such as crowns and hats inspired by the artist's paintings.