NGV Triennial

After what felt like an eternal lockdown in Melbourne, NGV’s Triennial is a breath of fresh air. Exploring themes of isolation, representation and speculation on the future, this exhibition evokes imagination and conversation. Featuring over 100 artists, designers and collectives from more 30 countries, Triennial showcases an array of mediums from video and mirror works to artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing. Delivering on a modern and interactive display, this NGV exhibition is ideal for people of all ages.

Outside the precinct, visitors are greeted by Julian Opie’s animated birds on LED screens positioned along St Kilda Road. These unique critters are inspired by ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. Upon entry through the iconic waterfall windows, onlookers are instantly wowed with a striking display of 3D video from Refik Anadol. Using AI and quantum computing, this 10-metre Quantum Memories display takes over 200 million nature-related images from the internet and blends them into a swirling exhibit of breathtaking, pure beauty. 

Other highlights include Japan’s Misaki Kawai, presenting Moja Moja Life: Misaki Kawai for Kids. With bright and furry dog sculptures, a puppet studio and multimedia experience, this playful display is ideal for little and big kids alike. Another focal point is work from German artist Alicja Kwade. Carefully placed, double-sided mirrors fill the room with paired objects to create an optical illusion of transformations. This aesthetically pleasing display is contemporary and beautiful, making for a stunning walk-through piece. 

Through large-scale sculptures and powerful themes, Lara Schnitger’s House of Heroines is thought-provoking and visually stimulating. Drawing heavily on the representation of women, this display takes visitors into a room of vivid fabrics and sequins. Columns and structures explore the boundaries of femininity and taboos related to women through a contemporary reflection of sexuality and the female voice.  

The Salon et Lumiere features 40 paintings and 12 sculptures to transport viewers into 19th-century art exhibitions in Paris through twenty-first-century technology. If you’re an NGV regular you will recognise this room’s art; until the lights go off. Immersive and exciting, this section of the Triennial was refreshing and an ingenious way to add another element to the exhibition. Moments of classic pieces such as Degas’ Dancer Looking at the Sole of her Right Foot and Picasso’s Weeping Women create opportunities of nostalgia and provide a little break from the contemporary works. 

With a jaw-dropping display around every corner, the rich and inventive Triennial ticks all the boxes. Open till Sunday 18 April, the exhibition is free so grab so immerse yourself in what Melbourne has to offer. 

NGV Triennial
Open till Sunday 18 April 2021
The National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, 3006
ngv.vic.gov.au/exhibition/triennial-2020