Unconventional and Unpredictable

PHOTOGRAPHERS Liu Bolin from China and Badtjala woman Dr Fiona Foley were announced as the headliners for the 2019 Ballarat International Foto Biennale program last night.

Fiona Sweet, Biennale Artistic Director said it’s a huge coup to have the two world-class artists at this year’s show.

“Liu Bolin, a very important Chinese photographer works in very large colourful formats, so on one level you are looking at it and seeing absolute beauty but on the other hand you are looking at social commentary,” Ms Sweet said.

“For 30 years Fiona has been, and remains to be, a true pioneer in her pursuit to rectify the racial inequalities that exist in Australia.”

Bolin, whose Camouflage exhibition will hang in the Art Gallery of Ballarat, said he is extremely excited to exhibit at the Ballarat International Foto Biennale.

“Audiences can expect an explosion of colour, a reimagining of the typical art gallery environment, incredible moments of interaction, contemplation and solace,” Bolin said.

“Specifically, I use the stillness of my body and my ability to blend into the landscape as a form of silent protest, this camouflage represents those forgotten workers of the Chinese economic revolution.”

Foley said her retrospective exhibition entitled Who are these strangers and where are they going? provides viewers a great insight into her life’s practice.

“Presented within the grandiose Ballarat Mining Exchange, my exhibition is curated by long-time friend and colleague Djon Mundine OAM,” she said.

“His vision for the exhibition invites audiences to experience my work in highly interactive and visceral installations, creating a great dialogue with the importance of my sculptural practice.”

Ms Sweet, when programming the Biennale, set out to select artists not seen before who will draw large audiences.

Bolin’s photos and sculptures have been displayed in numerous museums and institutions in Europe, the America’s, China and the Middle East.

Foley has been a resident artist in New York and Beijing and is a regular keynote speaker at conferences and symposia all over the world.

“Artists don’t exhibit just because you give them money, it’s actually about the status of the organisation because they do not want to be exhibiting in something they don’t consider to be important enough,” she said.

City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Samantha McIntosh said the Ballarat International Foto Biennale not only offers the chance to see amazing national and international art here in Ballarat but also showcases the city’s growing reputation within the national arts community.

“Having such a top-quality artistic event held here also feeds directly into our visionary Creative City Strategy, aimed at making Ballarat regional Australia’s leading creative capital.”

“The Foto Biennale puts Ballarat proudly on the national and international arts calendar.”

The 2017 Biennale attracted just under 27,000 patrons, 75 per cent of whom came from outside Ballarat, creating an estimated economic benefit of $3.9 million.

“This year’s Biennale should be bigger and better than ever and that’s great news for hotels, restaurants and cafes right across the Ballarat region,” said Juliana Addison, Member for Wendouree.