The overall
theme says it all... The future is already here - its just not evenly distributed. Then, each site is designated as an embassy with a particular thematic focus. So a section of the Museum of Contemporary Art becomes the
Embassy of Translation - and it is here that there are some of the few references to indigenous Australia.
I most enjoyed Cockatoo Island, a former convict settlement and shipyard that is being reused for performance and dramatic art. It was designated as
Embassy of the Real and there were many unique pieces of 2 and 3 dimensional art displayed within an evocative setting and with amazing views across the harbour to the CBD at key points. For me, the reality was more about using space, history and location to share a message. I was also impressed by the cavernous Carriageworks complex in suburban Redfern; an old train maintenance workshop revived also for drama and art. I was not very convinced by it as an
Embassy of Disappearance, because many of the piece were either disjointed or intensely personal and detailed. The Art Gallery of NSW established a dedicated E
mbassy of Spirits, which while engaging did not inspire or connect with me. The final venue I visited was Artspace in Woolloomooloo, an large open warehouse, transformed as the
Embassy of Non-participation.
Maybe I tried to see too many places in one long weekend, but there was a recurring theme; many pieces were intricately planned, often influenced by asian cultures and required a lot of time and assistance for engagement. Maybe that is more of a reflection of where Australian art is heading...
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