Overview

Revolutions - Forms That Turn was an experimental curatorial project aiming to create a constellation of historical and contemporary artworks. These explored the impulse to revolt, the etymology of ‘Revolutions' (re-volvere), as well as the gap between associations with the first part of the exhibition title (‘revolutions') and the second (‘forms that turn'). Under the artistic direction of international curator Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev, the artists, thinkers, filmmakers and writers participating celebrated, investigated and rethought the concept of ‘revolution'. The project explored the relationship between ‘revolutionary art' and ‘art for the revolution'; the space between formal experimentation and artistic intent - the impulse to revolt in both art and life.

In 2008, works by more than 180 artists were exhibited with approximately fifty new works being realised, including installations, large-scale sculptures, film and video, sound works, performances and online projects.

BIENNALE OF SYDNEY PRINCIPAL SPONSORS

Founding Partner: Transfield

Government Partners: Australia Council for the Arts; Arts NSW; City of Sydney

BIENNALE OF SYDNEY MAJOR VENUE PARTNERS

Art Gallery of NSW, Museum of Contemporary Art, Cockatoo Island, Pier 2/3

BIENNALE OF SYDNEY EXHIBITION PARTNERS

Artspace, Royal Botanical Gardens, Sydney Opera House

BIENNALE OF SYDNEY MAJOR PARTNERS

Anita and Luca Belgiorno-Nettis Foundation; The Balnaves Foundation; International Art Services; JCDecaux; PricewaterhouseCoopers; Sofitel Wentworth Sydney; The Sydney Morning Herald