Tuesday saw the launch of the 17th Biennale of Sydney, displaying works from contemporary artists globally. These artists are also speaking to the public at various sites around Sydney.
An artist that has caught my attention is Brett Graham from Tainui, New Zealand who has two sculptures on display at the MCA.
In 2007, terror raids in Ruatoki caused alot of pain and aguish, which has now led him to take a political, historical and cultural stance by creating sculptures of statement.
The Museum of Contemporary Art will display two of his largest sculptures, a carved Stealth Bomber called Te Hokioi made of MDF, fibreglass, steel, car lacquer and wheels. The other sculpture is Mihaia, a full scale Russian Scout car made of MDF, steel and rubber tyres. Both of these works have the traditional Maori symbols engraved on the steel.
Brett will be speaking to the public on Thursday 12th May at 12pm at the MCA about his influences, what he’s seen, his reasoning behind his work and how he constructed it. It will be an interesting story.
