Overview
From twerking workshops to breathable art, it's been an outstanding 12 months for the ARTBAR at the Museum of Contemporary Art – and from the looks of things, that strong form is set to continue next year. The museum has just revealed the names of the artists who'll curate the first three editions of ARTBAR in 2017, with each expected to bring their own unique vision to the MCA's after-dark shindig on the final Friday of every month.
The first event of the year, set for January 27, will be curated by Louise Zhang, a Chinese-Australian artist whose plan is to combine Chinese New Year celebrations with horror films. "I love horror!" said Yang in a statement. "Celebrating something dark can be alluring especially when explored in a topic like diaspora. The seriousness of this topic is often (and unfortunately) skimmed over rather than discussed."
ARTBAR will open again on February 24, under the direction of interdisciplinary artist Reko Rennie. Perhaps best known for his public art installation Always was, always will be at Taylor Square in Darlinghurst, Rennie's work combines Indigenous iconography with street art to explore notions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity in an urban environment.
Finally, on March 31, ARTBAR will welcome Jess Johnson and Simon Ward, from New York and Melbourne, respectively. Their turn behind the wheel will pay homage to apocalyptic movies and DIY culture, transforming the space into a Dead End Drive-In.
ARTBAR takes place at 7pm on the last Friday of every month at the Museum for Contemporary Art. Find it at 140 George Street, The Rocks. For more information visit ARTBAR'S website.