Interactive Robots Let Loose At NGV

An exciting and eclectic exploration of modern art incorporating an orgy of robotics, performance art, sound and video will be on display in Wade Marynowsky: Nostalgia for Obsolete Futures.

The exhibition which is to be held partly at The Ian Potter Centre (NGV) and Federation Square reveals the experimental works of artist Dr Wade Marynowsky and includes The Hosts, Stairway To Heaven, Black Casino and his static works Remote Tribe 1-4. The Hosts is assured to be a big hit amongst sci-fi fans with NGV Director Tony Ellwood saying, ‘The exhibition will include a range of experimental and emerging art forms including The Hosts; four programmed robots which will roam around the foyer of NGV Australia and the Studio, interacting with visitors through sound and movement to create an uncanny and unique experience.’

Marynowsky’s venture into the exploration of new age expressionism includes the display Stairway To Heaven. The display is a performance based work where various musical instruments were dropped down the top of the NGV staircase whilst a recording captured their seventy-six step descent.

‘It is the latest in a series of video and sound works where Marynowsky has combined his interest in experimental music and autonomous improvisation,’ Ellwood said.

A self-described anti-disciplinary artist, Marynowsky lives up to his claim with Black Casino (2013). This interactive work exhibits five flying V guitars mounted atop a rotating roulette wheel reminiscent of Wheel of Fortune and when spun recites Diablous in Musica (The Devil’s chord). His artistic expression is further reflected in Fish and Chips (2013), a robotic and video work which studies seagulls in flight searching for hot chips – thereby transforming a great Australian pastime into a constructivist visual odyssey.

Remote Tribe 1-4 (2012) critiques the influence and imprint of technology on our daily lives through four large scale wood-carved television remote controls.

The exhibit is indicative of Marynowsky’s approach to contemporary art and marks the latest achievement for an artist that has performed both nationally and internationally since 1998. His work has been praised with The Premier of Queensland’s National New Media Art Award, by the Gallery of Modern Art and has reached prominence overseas in the International Biennale of Contemporary Art in Poland.

In 2014, he exhibited Acconci Robot at thingworld: International Triennial of New Media Art at the National Art Museum of China. The exhibits currently on display have been featured at Campbelltown Arts Centre for ISEA in Sydney, MONA FOMA in Tasmania, Performance Space in Sydney and the Museum of Contermporary Art Australia.

Patrons also have the opportunity of attending a series of accompanied public programs including In Conversation with Wade Marynowsky hosted by Curator of Australian Art and NGV Studio coordinator, David Hurlston on Saturday 23 August. See ngv.vic.gov.au for further details.

Wade Marynowsky: Nostalgia for Obsolete Futures will be on display at NGV Studio, Flinders Street, Federation Square from 22 August – 19 October 2014. The Hosts will be on display in the NGV Australia foyer from 6 September. Open daily 10am–5pm, admission is free.

Wade Marynowsky: Nostalgia for Obsolete Futures
NGV Studio, Federation Square, Flinders Street,  Melbourne
Friday 22 August – Sunday 19 October, open daily 10am-5pm
ngv.vic.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/exhibitions/wade-marynowsky-autonomous-improvisation