Be taken on an aesthetic journey set on nature’s stage when a premier art-in-the-environment event returns to Noosa.
Responding to contemporary ideas and concerns while shifting its frame of reference with each new occurrence, the Floating Land biennale is an art event like no other.
In this year’s 12th iteration, titled Us and Them, the artists collectively challenge assumptions, check prejudice and present works that revel in discomfort.
Seeking to scrutinise aberration and affinity, and encouraging its audiences to look at other perspectives, Floating Land again features a curated line-up of artists whose works make audiences ask questions about our place in the world.
Curator and Noosa Regional Gallery director Michael Brennan said it was known as one of most anticipated and iconic cultural events, and would keep audiences guessing.
“It’s not an event that can be pigeon-holed; that’s a big part of its allure,” he said.
“Floating Land has always had a strong connection to the natural environment. It’s often been about ecological, environmental and, by extension, social issues.
“A number of frictions in society feel like they have become amplified over recent years and on many occasions, it is battles of self-interest that can be the impetus for mistreatment of the environment.”
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Further setting Floating Land 2023 apart from previous years is the broader extension of installations and events across the Noosa region, rather than focusing on just one or two locations.
Less conventional sites such as Pomona Cemetery and restricted-access locations like Johns Landing reflect topics deemed equally challenging.
Noosa Heads will once again feature significantly, with installations that offer ease of access for visiting tourists.
The Park Road Boardwalk and Noosa Woods, for example, will boast works accessible 24/7, while evening projections at Noosa Main Beach will entice visitors into the night.
“No doubt some of these works will take us out of our comfort zones,” Mr Brennan said.
“But when you move past that initial reaction to the work, I hope it opens up the space to step into someone else’s shoes and see their perspective – to find common ground across different parts of the community.”
The full suite of artistic projects is now available online in an easy-to-navigate digital brochure. Events and workshops are now open for bookings.
The official opening event kicks off on Saturday, June 24, from 2-5pm at River Stage, Gympie Terrace, Noosaville, with the full event running until July 30.
Free tickets are available via the website. For more information click here.
Floating Land is a collaboration between Noosa Regional Gallery and Noosa Council.
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