Museum MACAN presents 'Patricia Piccinini: CARE', a solo exhibition of a globally recognized Australian artist for the first time in Indonesia.
23.05.2024—06.10.2024
About the Exhibition
Patricia Piccinini: CARE is a solo exhibition of globally recognized Australian artist Patricia Piccinini for the first time in Indonesia.
Curated by Tobias Berger, this large-scale survey exhibition will present over 40 life-size sculptures, three large video installations, along with Celestial Field (2021), a spectacular installation of thousands of flowers.
CARE is an exhibition addressing the universal feelings related to connection and intimacy which resonate with audiences from anywhere including Indonesia. Current global issues about ecology and its relations with biodiversity and biotechnology are also key ideas in this exhibition.
Through this exhibition, visitors are invited to see the hybridity of imaginary life forms, touching on the ongoing issues of endangered species in Indonesia.
This exhibition is suitable for all ages but includes sensitive material that may require parental discretion for children.
Patricia Piccinini (b. Sierra Leone, 1965) began her career by studying anatomy, ancient specimens, and pathology in medical museums, which later became the foundation for developing her artworks. Piccinini incorporates synthetic materials, such as silicone, fiberglass, and ABS plastic, with organic materials including hair and taxidermy animals to her sculptures, resulting in surreal, imaginary creatures.
Characterized by her hyper-realistic sculptures of natural and mechanical chimeras, Patricia Piccinini’s artistic practice examines new conceptions of corporeality, sexuality, and kinship. Her works reflect on the increasingly nebulous boundaries between the artificial and the natural; questioning our understanding of set relationships with the surrounding world and suggesting a future where humanity and other creatures might coexist not just in the same spaces but potentially in the same bodily form.
About the Curator
Tobias Berger has held pivotal roles within the contemporary art scene across the Asia–Pacific. His career began with a directorship at ARTSPACE NZ in Auckland, New Zealand (2003–2005), followed by his leadership as the executive director of Para Site Art Space in Hong Kong (2005–2008). Berger then served as the chief curator at the Nam June Paik Art Center in Seoul, South Korea (2008–2010). Expanding his curatorial influence, he was appointed the first curator of visual arts at M+ Museum, Hong Kong (2010–2015), where he played a crucial role in shaping the museum's curatorial vision.
From 2015 to 2022, Berger led the Head of Art position at Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts in Hong Kong, where he initiated and developed the contemporary visual arts program. His tenure there was notable for facilitating collaborative exhibitions with global institutions and curating thematic presentations for artists such as Cao Fei, Takashi Murakami, and Pipilotti Rist, showcasing his capability to nurture art conversations that span cultures and continents.
Installation Views
Installation view of Cleaner (2019), The Bond (2016), While She Sleeps (2021), The Observer (2010), Metaflora (Timelapse) (2015), and Sapling (2020) in ‘Patricia Piccinini: CARE’. Courtesy of the artist and Ames Yavuz Singapore. Image courtesy of Museum MACAN.
Installation view of Kindred (2018), Clutch (2022), and Supporter (2021) in ‘Patricia Piccinini: CARE’ at Museum MACAN, Jakarta, 2024. Courtesy of the artist and Ames Yavuz Singapore. Images courtesy of Museum MACAN.
Installation view of Eagle Egg Man (The Astronomer) (2018), Eagle Egg Man (The Philosopher) (2018), and Eagle Egg Man (The Optimist) (2018) in ‘Patricia Piccinini: CARE’. Courtesy of the artist and Ames Yavuz Singapore. Images courtesy of Museum MACAN.
Installation view of Shoeform (Bloom) (2019), Prone (2011), and The Coup (2012) in ‘Patricia Piccinini: CARE’. Courtesy of the artist and Ames Yavuz Singapore. Image courtesy of Museum MACAN.
Patricia Piccinini (l. Sierra Leone, 1965) The Couple (2018)
Linen, silicone, hair, fiberglass 42 x 168 x 65 cm Courtesy of the artist and Ames Yavuz Singapore Installation view of ‘Patricia Piccinini: CARE’ at Museum MACAN, Jakarta, 2024. Image courtesy of Museum MACAN.
Patricia Piccinini (l. Sierra Leone, 1965) Celestial Field (2021)
Multiple plastic objects, false floor, suspended ceiling grid, multichannel audio Dimensions variable Courtesy of the artist and Ames Yavuz Singapore Installation view of ‘Patricia Piccinini: CARE’ at Museum MACAN, Jakarta, 2024. Image courtesy of Museum MACAN.