Casula Powerhouse set to launch new exhibitions

Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre (CPAC) is set to unveil an exciting new suite of exhibitions in February.

The new exhibitions are headlined by Pulse of the Dragon (22nd February – 19th April 2020), an exploration of Chinese mythology specially curated by renowned Chinese artists Guan Wei and Cang Xin; plus HI VIS (1st February – 15th March 2020), a deep-dive into dancing and dressing as forms of empowerment; and Fre$h Pair (1st February – 15th March 2020), a celebration of self-expression through sneakers in youth culture.

Pulse of the Dragon will commence with a free launch event on Saturday 29th February featuring a performance by Cang Xin and artist talks, tea ceremony, plus workshops based on Chinese traditions including ink painting, dragon mask-making and knotting. HI VIS and Fre$h Pair will launch on Saturday 1st February. All will feature light refreshments by in-house diner Bellbird.

CPAC Director Craig Donarski suggests to “start this decade off with a bang” and advises “this diverse slate of exhibitions is the perfect way to get your first fix of art and culture in 2020. Catch an incredible showcase of contemporary works curated by some of the most exciting Chinese artists of our time, that hones into the very pulse of Chinese traditional culture - especially with the Lunar New Year later this month.

“Don’t miss HI VIS and Fre$h Pair, which collectively explore the power of clothing and dance, featuring an excellent line-up of acclaimed local artists who are pushing the boundaries of their artforms.”

Pulse of the Dragon

Pulse of the Dragon is a stunning showcase of contemporary art, with 10 local Chinese-Australian artists and Chinese artists coming together to traverse cultural traditions: religious witchcraft and mythology, folk arts and culture. The exhibition is co- curated by Glenfield-based artist Guan Wei - the first Chinese-Australian artist to present a solo show at the Museum of Contemporary Art in 2019 – and celebrated performance artist Cang Xin, known for his striking performances that have included bathing with lizards, adorning the clothing of strangers, and prostrating himself on icy glaciers.

Artists include: Palla Jerroff, whose work features in the prestigious Guangdong Museum of Art private collection; Yang Xifa, whose paintings use the human body as a medium while utilizing traditional Chinese materials including fine Xuangcheng writing paper; as well as Chinese experimental multimedia artist Gu Xiaoping, incorporating traditional Chinese woodware ink tools into installations, photography and video.

HI VIS

HI VIS is a demonstration of using fabulous dance and dress to command attention, and engage complex political ideas. Featuring acclaimed artists including Leila el Rayes, fashion designer Matthew Stegh (cult fashion label Haus of Helmutti), interdisciplinary artists Joan Ross and JD Reforma, and Western Sydney designer Nicole Oliveria, these artists explore fabulousness as defense against violence, forgetting troubling histories, and not being seen at all.

Fre$h Pair

Documenting the nuances of Millennial and Gen Z sneaker culture, Fre$h Pair explores street culture, and its influence on fashion and pop culture at large. Featuring intricate ceramic works by local artist Gillian Kayrooz, artist in residence at Parramatta Artist Studios, and emerging Sydney-based artist Kimberley Peel.

Image of performance by Cang Xin