The Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT), hosted by the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), is a beacon of artistic innovation and cultural dialogue. The 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT11), which runs from December 2024 to April 2025, promises to be a compelling exploration of the diverse and dynamic art practices emerging from across the Asia-Pacific region. With a broad spectrum of artists, from emerging voices to established figures, APT11 will showcase the best of contemporary art while raising questions about identity, history, environment, and society within a rapidly changing world.

Bridging Global and Local Perspectives

The Asia Pacific region, known for its diversity in culture, language, and traditions, is equally rich in contemporary art that reflects these complexities. The APT11 exhibition, which has been a fixture in the art calendar since its inception in 1993, aims to explore the intersections of local histories and global contemporary issues, making it a unique platform for dialogue across cultures.

At the heart of APT11 is a commitment to showcasing art that challenges, reflects, and reshapes conversations around current global themes. The exhibition provides a comprehensive look at how the Asia Pacific region, encompassing Australia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands, engages with issues such as climate change, migration, decolonisation, technological transformation, and the preservation of cultural heritage. This year’s edition continues this tradition, emphasising both traditional and new media, including photography, painting, sculpture, video, and immersive installation art.

A Panoramic View of the Asia-Pacific

APT11 continues the Triennial’s tradition of presenting a broad survey of contemporary art practices from the Asia-Pacific region. What sets APT11 apart is its commitment to not only showcasing established artists but also providing a platform for emerging voices. This year’s exhibition will feature over 200 artists, some of whom have previously been underrepresented on the global stage, offering them a unique opportunity to bring their work to a broader audience.

Among the artists featured in APT11 are some of the most exciting and thought-provoking voices in contemporary art today. Singaporean artist Dawn Ng, known for her vibrant and immersive installations that explore themes of childhood, memory, and identity, will present a new, site-specific work that invites visitors to explore the complexities of time and space. Ng’s ability to transform everyday objects into vehicles for deep, emotional exploration makes her a standout in the exhibition.

New Zealand artist Brett Graham, whose work focuses on the legacies of colonialism and Indigenous rights, will present pieces that challenge the dominant narratives surrounding land ownership and cultural heritage. Graham’s sculptural and installation works frequently incorporate materials like stone, metal, and wood, creating powerful visual statements about the ongoing effects of colonisation on both the land and its people.

Australian artist D Harding, known for his abstract and symbolic works that explore his Wiradjuri heritage, will be contributing new works that speak to the ongoing challenges facing Indigenous Australians today. Harding’s art often grapples with themes of language, land, and memory, offering a meditation on the intersections of culture, identity, and history in contemporary Australia.

These artists, among many others, reflect the incredible breadth of talent in the Asia-Pacific region. Their works are deeply engaged with contemporary global issues and reflect the multiplicity of voices and perspectives that shape the cultural landscape of the region. Whether addressing climate change, gender inequality, colonial legacies, or the impact of technology on society, these artists demonstrate the power of contemporary art to spark conversation, challenge assumptions, and create new ways of thinking about our collective future.

A Global Conversation in Brisbane

APT11 is set to attract a diverse and international audience, further cementing Brisbane’s reputation as a hub for contemporary art. The exhibition will serve as a cultural meeting point for artists, curators, and art enthusiasts from around the world. It will offer a rare opportunity to experience some of the most exciting and thought-provoking contemporary art being made today, while also providing a platform for important conversations about the future of the Asia-Pacific region and the world.

Written By: Erika Challita

Published: 12th November 2024