Tell us a little bit about Liveworks: what goes on at the events?
Liveworks is a celebration of new art from across Australia and Asia. From installations to participatory performance, contemporary dance and experimental music, the festival presents the most interesting new developments in contemporary art each year. For this year’s festival you can expect to hear some moving and challenging stories about Indigenous culture, have a conversation with an artist about her family’s sex lives, and witness a contemporary Indonesian dancer transform between man and woman. That’s only some of the experiences on offer!
Is there a guiding philosophy in place when the event is being curated?
When we curate Liveworks we are curious to see what the most interesting new developments in art are each year. We’re really interested in artists who are pushing boundaries and who think differently about how they engage with audiences. There are a few recurring themes through this year’s program, from new perspectives on sex and gender, to the changing relationship between humans and nature in the era of climate change. Big themes for turbulent times, you might say.
Are there any events in particular that you are excited about?
That’s like being asked to choose favourites between your children! But two works that we’re thrilled to bring to Sydney this year are Ecosexual Bathhouse[pictured above] by Perth collective Pony Express and SoftMachine by the Berlin-based Singaporean artist Choy Ka Fai. Ecosexual Bathhouse invites audiences into a performative romp through some erotic and strange encounters with nature: it made quite a splash when it premiered at Melbourne’s Next Wave Festival this year. SoftMachine is an astonishing and intimate glimpse into the work and lives of artists making cutting-edge dance work in Asia.
What is your average Liveworks event audience member like?
Our audiences is pretty diverse in terms of their age and background, but everyone tends to be open-minded and excited about diving into new experiences. Our audiences love to be surprised and are looking for something beyond the predictable cycle of mainstream media and traditional artforms that crowd our airspace.
What do you want people to walk away from Liveworks events thinking/feeling?
I hope people away from the festival feeling inspired, exhilarated, challenged or curious. Or any combination of the above!
Presented by Performance Space,Liveworks 2016 runs Thursday October 27 – Sunday November 6 atCarriageworks.
