Céleste Boursier-Mougenot: after the MoMA, the QAGOMA and the NGV, a new permanent installation at 101 Collins Street in Melbourne!
On the 13th of July 2023 from 4pm to 6pm, the Australian public will have the opportunity to experience the work of internationally acclaimed French artist Céleste Boursier-Mougenot as a permanent installation opens at 101 Collins Street, one of Melbourne’s most prestigious office towers. Meet the artist in an exclusive Screening and Q&A on July 11th at NGV International.
The installation commissioned for 101 Collins Street is part of a series of seven new artworks, aiming to enhance the cultural landscape of the building. Located in the grand foyer spaces of 101 Collins Street, which recently underwent a significant refurbishment led by Batessmart architects, Boursier-Mougenot’s artwork will be one of the most significant pieces in this project, adding a dynamic and engaging element to the newly revitalised interiors. It will feature a series of kinetic sculptures strategically placed to incorporate movement and sound, responding to the environment and the presence of viewers, creating an interactive and dynamic experience. Complementing the kinetic sculptures, video projections will be displayed on designated walls within the foyer spaces. These projections will be synchronised with the movements of the sculptures, further enhancing the immersive nature of the installation.
Céleste Boursier-Mougenot is a renowned contemporary artist who has captivated audiences worldwide with his innovative and immersive installations that blur the boundaries between art, music, and everyday objects. Born in 1961 in France, Boursier-Mougenot has consistently pushed the limits of artistic expression, creating captivating environments that engage the senses and invite viewers to experience art in unexpected ways. His ability to merge art, music, and everyday objects has made him a pioneering figure in contemporary art. Through his groundbreaking work, Boursier-Mougenot has inspired future generations of artists to explore new avenues of creativity and to appreciate the beauty and harmonies found within the ordinary.
One of his most celebrated works, “From Here to Ear,” premiered at the 2009 Venice Biennale and garnered international acclaim. In this installation, finches moved freely around the space, perching on guitars, and plucking the strings with their beaks, creating a one-of-a-kind musical composition. Boursier-Mougenot’s work has been exhibited in prestigious venues worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Barbican Centre in London, and the Palais de Tokyo in Paris. The artist has also previously showcased innovative installations such as “From Here to Ear”, “Clinamen” and “Présences” in Australia, captivating audiences with his unique artistic vision, leaving a lasting impression in the Long Gallery in Hobart (2009), the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne (2013), and the Queensland Art Gallery Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) in Brisbane (2010, 2016).
The permanent nature of this installation at 101 Collins Street provides an exciting opportunity for Australians to engage with Céleste Boursier-Mougenot’s work and for his art to become a permanent part of Melbourne’s cultural landscape. This collaboration marks a significant addition to Melbourne’s vibrant arts scene.
Do not miss the chance to celebrate the third and final stage of the Ground Floor Evolution of the 101 Collins St and to witness the installations’ unveiling on Thursday, 13th July.
To secure a place at the exclusive Screening and Q&A with the artist on July 11 click here !
