NGV Triennial blockbuster added to Melbourne’s summer calendar of creative events

Exploring the themes of Magic, Matter and Memory, the NGV Triennial blockbuster exhibition has been added to Melbourne’s summer calendar of creative events.

More than an exhibition, the NGV Triennial will come to life with a program of talks, tours, entertainment and fun activities for children and families. From 19th-28th January, the Triennial EXTRA will deliver a 10-day night-time program of free music, DJs, talks, performance, dance and more.

Some of the biggest names in the art world will be showcasing their works - from counterculture icon Yoko Ono to renowned British artist Tracy Emin – to 25 world premiere projects.

NGV Director Tony Ellwood shares “The 2023 NGV Triennial offers audiences a valuable opportunity to experience new and surprising forms of creative expression from around the globe, which, together, present a compelling snapshot of the world as it is, while also asking how we would like it to be.”

The free exhibition brings 100 world-class works by local and international artists to Melbourne for Victorians and visitors from interstate and overseas to enjoy, taking over all four levels of NGV International.

A large-scale text work by Ono will feature on the NGV’s exterior, satirical UK artist David Shrigley’s seven-metre high ‘thumbs up’ sculpture will take pride of place on the NGV forecourt, while fashion lovers will flock to a collection of works from legendary fashion house Schiaparelli by creative director Daniel Roseberry.

Works by First Nations artists will also feature, including Mun-dirra, a 100-metre-long woven fish fence produced by 13 artists working in Arnhem Land, and an eight-metre eel trap cast in bronze, luk bagurrk gunga, by Aunty Kim Wandin, presented in the gallery’s moat.

The legacy of the Triennial will live on after the exhibition closes, with more than 75 of its works on display to go into the NGV’s Collection.

The inaugural NGV Triennial, held in 2017, attracted more than 1.2 million visitors, the highest attended exhibition in the NGV’s history, boosting local jobs, our vibrant hospitality and hotel sector and the economy.

NGV Director Tony Ellwood shares “The 2023 NGV Triennial offers audiences a valuable opportunity to experience new and surprising forms of creative expression from around the globe, which, together, present a compelling snapshot of the world as it is, while also asking how we would like it to be.”

Image.Installation view of Shelia Hicks’ work Nowhere to go on display as part of NGV Triennial from 3rd December 2023 – 7th April 2024 at NGV International, Melbourne. Credit: Sean Fennessy