Next Wave at Metro Arts

Overview

It’s time to get your diary, open the calendar app on your phone, grab a pen and write this date on your hand, whatever, just make sure you are free on May 21. This will be a night to remember on the art scene as Metro Arts is hosting a bunch of amazing exhibitions and performances fresh from Next Wave in Melbourne.

Opening on Wednesday, May 21, are three amazing works and discussion pieces by some of Australia’s most creative minds. Also opening on the 21st is a brilliantly unique pop-up shop and a mind-blowing dance-performance production.

The Blaktism, by Megan Cope, is a video exhibition detailing the bizarre and head scratching nature of racial classification in Australia. The works show a young female undertake a series of rite to authenticate herself in the eyes of cultural authorities. This work challenges audience’s perception of racism and satirises the notion of Australian identity.

Ryan Presley, a Brisbane artist, presents Lesser Gods. Taking Simon Says to new extremes, this interactive installation piece places audiences in a dance floor setting and instructs them to match audio and visual commands. This work looks at the consequences of following orders and how it reflects on modern colonial attitudes.

Altertruism Demos is a panel discussion talking in depth about the new wave of surveillance technology; it’s military and social implementations and the effects of these devices in future applications. This roundtable symposium will feature guest speakers and discussion headed by advocates from Golden Solution. Contemplative and riveting, these discussions will be a must attend for those interested.

Tukre’ is a dance based performance by Raghav Handra. The work is inspired by Raghav’s personal history and the family artefacts from previous generations. Tukre’ looks at history as passed through bloodlines and the possessions left behind by ancestors.

The Dokboki Box is a unique spin on the pop-up restaurant. Inside this Korean snack stall, you'll be treated to a performance that involves you breaking bread with a stranger, listening to tales from the cook and, of course, partaking in some '80s karaoke.

Check the Metro Arts website for booking information and opening times.