Ten Thousand Suns conveys divergent images. The singular life-giving body that is the sun, like the world it shines light upon, has otherwise been known under thousands of different words in as many languages. Each name carries with it a different cultural viewpoint, many of which do not rely on a vision of a single sun. The image of many suns evokes projections of a scorching world, both in several cosmological visions and in our moment of climate emergency and of a world ablaze. Yet Ten Thousand Suns also conveys the joy of cultural multiplicities affirmed, First Nations understandings of the cosmos brought to the fore, and carnivals as forms of resistance rallying against colonial oppression and dehumanisation.
The 24th Biennale of Sydney works within these different layers, acknowledging the deep crises derived from colonial and capitalist exploitation while refusing to concede to an apocalyptic vision of the future. This politics of doom can be seen as attempts by the same forces to render impossible the overcoming of the multiple crises that they themselves have produced. The 24th Biennale of Sydney proposes instead the radiance and warmth of ten thousand suns, illuminating a collective future that is not only possible, but necessary to be lived in irrepressible joy and plenitude, in common humanity.
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Artistic Directors: Cosmin Costinaș and Inti Guerrero
UNSW Galleries is one of several venues. More information on the 24th Biennale of Sydney here.
Book now for the 24th Biennale of Sydney Opening Party at UNSW Galleries.
Artistic Directors: Cosmin Costinaș and Inti Guerrero
Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain First Nations Curatorial Fellow: Tony Albert (Kuku Yalanji)
Curatorial Advisor: Vivian Ziherl
