Rememory will be the title and theme of the 25th edition of the Biennale of Sydney, curated by artistic director Hoor Al Qasimi.
Inspired by the author Toni Morrison, the theme will invite artists and audiences to revisit, reconstruct and reclaim histories and consider how the act of remembering can shape identity, belonging and community. In Morrison’s writing, ‘rememory’, which she coined in her 1987 novel Beloved, relates to the telling of African American history. The Biennale will present a ‘rememory’ inspired by Sydney, its broader region and its communities, giving voice to stories from Aboriginal peoples and Australia’s diasporas.
An initial list of participating artists has been announced:
Abdul Abdullah (Australia / Thailand), Ángel Poyón (Maya Kaqchikel, Guatemala), Angélica Serech (Maya Kaqchikel, Guatemala), Bouchra Khalili (Morocco / Austria), CAMP (India), Cannupa Hanska Luger (Standing Rock Indian Reservation, North Dakota / New Mexico, USA), Carmen Glynn-Braun (Kaytetye, Arrernte, Anmatyerr, Australia), Chang En Man (Paiwan, Taiwan), Chen Chieh-jen (Taiwan R.O.C.), Daisy Quezada Ureña (USA), Decolonizing Art Architecture Project (DAAR) (Palestine), Deirdre O’Mahony (Ireland), Dennis Golding (Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay, Australia), Dread Scott (USA), Edgar Calel (Kaqchikel, Guatemala), Elverina Johnson (Yarrabah, Australia), Ema Shin (Japan / Australia), Fernando Poyón (Maya Kaqchikel, Guatemala), Frank Young & The Kulata Tjuta Project (Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, Australia), Gabriel Chaile (Argentina / Lisbon), Gunybi Ganambarr (Yolŋu (Ŋaymil) people, Australia), John Harvey (Kalaw Kawaw Ya/Saibai Island, Torres Strait, Australia) & Walter Waia (Kalaw Kawaw Ya/Saibai Island, Torres, Strait, Australia), John Prince Siddon (Walmajarri, Australia), Kapwani Kiwanga (Canada / France), Lamia Joreige (Lebanon), Marian Abboud (Australia), Maritea Dæhlin (Norway / Mexico), Merilyn Fairskye (Australia) & Michiel Dolk (Netherlands / Australia), Michael Rakowitz (USA), Nancy Yukuwal McDinny (Garrwa / Yanyuwa, Australia), Rose B. Simpson (Santa Clara Pueblo, USA), Tania Willard (Secwepemcúlecw, Canada), Taysir Batniji (Gaza, Palestine / France), Tuan Andrew Nguyen (Vietnam), Warraba Weatherall (Kamilaroi, Australia), Wendy Hubert (Yindjibarndi Country, Australia), Yaritji Young (Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, Australia).
The Biennale of Sydney, Rememory, will take place 14 March – 14 June.
