Overview
One of the biggest Australian art exhibitions of the year is currently on display in Brisbane, with Patricia Piccinini's weird and wonderful creations taking over an entire floor of the city's Gallery of Modern Art. Among its many eye-catching delights, a massive room packed with more than 3000 flower sculptures is the undoubted centrepiece — and, come September, it's coming to Sydney.
Called The Field, Piccinini's immense installation turns the gallery space into a flora-filled landscape, both immersing viewers in its sheer size and asking them to peer deeper at each of the individual sculptures that comprise the artwork. From September 13–16, Sydneysiders will get the chance to walk through and stand inside its wonders at Carriageworks as part of this year's Sydney Contemporary Art Fair.
Given that The Field has never been seen outside of Brisbane, it's a rather big deal — and the version coming to Sydney will be re-imagined to specifically adapt to its new location, Carriageworks' Elston Room.
As well as The Field, Sydney Contemporary Art Fair will present works from more than 70 Australian and international galleries, spanning six continents and including artists from 32 countries. If you're keen to get a look at Piccinini's piece, prepare to have company — over the past three years of SCAF, more than 60,000 visitors have attended.
Image: Installation view 'Patricia Piccinini: Curious Affection' at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art, 2018, featuring The Field 2018. Photograph: Natasha Harth, QAGOMA