string theory: Laurie Nilsen introduces 'Just another Black C' (2011)

string theory: Tony Albert responds to string theory

string theory: Tony Albert on traditional culture in contemporary life

War Is Over (if you want it): Yoko Ono - Rachel Kent on Ono's blue sky motif

'Ultra Unreal Conversations' is an audio series that explores the artists, artworks and inspiration behind the 'Ultra Unreal' exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (22 July–2 October 2022). 

In this episode 'Ultra Unreal' curator Anna Davis chats to artist, filmmaker and musician Lawrence Lek about his approach to making art using video game engines, 3D software and soundscapes.  

They talk about the influences and ideas behind Lawrence’s work, including ideas about gaming, emotion and nostalgia, utopias, artificial intelligence, China, Sinofuturism and the nature of consciousness.

CREDITS

Hosts: Rad Yeo and Anna Davis

Theme song: Lawrence Lek, “Fourth World” Geomancer, 2017. Courtesy and © the artist.

Research and scriptwriting: Anna Davis, Rad Yeo and Sarah Little

Produced and edited by: Sarah Little

Editing and mixing: Oliver Quirk

Voice-over: Marcus Wright

Artwork: Raye Antonelli

Additional audio:
Lawrence Lek, Nepenthe AR, 2022. AR digital animation, colour, sound. Courtesy the artist and Sadie Coles HQ, London © the artist.

Lawrence Lek, Sinofuturism (1839–2046 AD), 2016. Single-channel video, HD, colour, stereo sound. Courtesy and © the artist.

Lawrence Lek, Geomancer, 2017. Single-channel video, HD, colour, sound. Courtesy the artist and Sadie Coles HQ, London © the artist.

Ultra Unreal Conversations – Episode 1: Lawrence Lek

'Ultra Unreal Conversations' is an audio series that explores the artists, artworks and inspiration behind the 'Ultra Unreal' exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (22 July – 2 October 2022). 

In this episode Rad Yeo and Anna Davis chat to Justin Shoulder from the art collective Club Ate about the powerful influence club culture, connection and storytelling has on their artmaking, as well as their commitment to the collective wellbeing of the migrant and queer communities that they belong to in Sydney and abroad. 

They talk about the strong influence that Filipino history and mythology, as well as queer club culture has had on their work. Justin talks about their interest in re-shaping old stories and myths and re-working them for today in a process he calls ‘future-folklore’.

CREDITS

Hosts: Rad Yeo and Anna Davis 
Research and scriptwriting: Anna Davis, Rad Yeo and Sarah Little 
Produced and edited by: Sarah Little 
Editing and mixing: Oliver Quirk 
Voice-over: Marcus Wright 
Artwork: Raye Antonelli 
Theme song: Lawrence Lek, “Fourth World” ‘Geomancer’, 2017. Courtesy the artist and Sadie Coles HQ, London and © the artist. 
Additional audio:  
Club Ate (Justin Shoulder, Bhenji Ra, and collaborators), ANG IDOL KO / YOU ARE MY IDOL, 2021–22. 2-channel digital video, HD, colour, sound. Courtesy and © the artists

Ultra Unreal Conversations – Episode 2: Club Ate

Jazz Money

Angela Goh

Amrita Hepi

Exhibition introduction by Micheal Do

Controlled Atmosphere (1983)

Murray River Punch (1980)

Artist introduction

Sydney's cohabitational zones: 

The creation of these new works was inspired by ‘cohabitational zones’ Atoui witnessed along Sydney's shorelines, where he observed nature, society and industry coexisting. During his site visit to Sydney in March 2023, he became intrigued by the perforated metal and fiberglass structures used in these zones, recognising them as interfaces that bridge distinct realities.

Track 3 - Sydney's sound, look and feel

Atoui's 'sound cloud' sculptures:

Every iteration of Waters' Witness introduces new elements inspired by the artist's research. At the MCA, Atoui was commissioned to create three sculptures, each comprising a perforated platform embedded with a piece of Sydney sandstone and equipped with a sound system.

These platforms are suspended from the ceiling, hovering like terraces above the floor-based components and are linked to the works below by audio cables. The speakers mounted on the platforms project audio from above, producing what Atoui describes as a 'sound cloud' within the gallery. This elevated sonic landscape responds to specific acoustics Atoui observed in Sydney and reflects his fascination with the city's distinctive layers of sound.

Track 2 - Atoui's 'sound cloud': Three new sculptures inspired by Sydney

Taking it all away - Natasha Bullock introduces the exhibition

On October 1 2015 Australian artist Matthys Gerber visited MCA to discuss his work and practice with MCA Senior Curator Natasha Bullock in the MCA galleries. 

Matthys speaks on his 30 year practice, his influences and shares some of his thoughts on the medium of painting. Listen to their lively discussion and hear some of his answers to questions from the audience. 

Matthys' exhibition runs until December 6 2015
http://www.mca.com.au/exhibition/matthys-gerber/ 

Image: Matthys Gerber, installation view, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, 2015, image courtesy and © the artist, photograph: Christopher Snee

Exhibition info

Matthys Gerber In Conversation with Natasha Bullock

Listen to Grayson Perry discuss the origins of his 2004 work 'Precious Boys'.

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Grayson Perry: the artist on 'Precious Boys'

Grayson Perry speaks on his 2007 work 'Personal Creation Myth' and the narratives we have throughout our lives. 

Grayson Perry: the artist on making your own myth

Chief curator at MCA Australia, Rachel Kent, introduces the exhibition 'Grayson Perry: My Pretty Little Art Career'. 

Grayson Perry: Rachel Kent introduces 'My Pretty Little Art Career'

MCA's Chief Curator Rachel Kent speaks on the ceramic pot Butterflies on Wheels, and the contrasts of its design.

Grayson Perry: Butterflies on Wheels

Want to speak Grayson Perry's 'ceramic language'? Listen as he explains the nuances of design embedded in his vases and pots.

image: Grayson Perry, 'Comfort Blanket', 2014, tapestry, edition of 9 plus 3 AP, installation view, Grayson Perry: My Pretty Little Art Career, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, 2015. image courtesy the Artist and Victoria Miro, London © Grayson Perry

Grayson Perry: the artist on 'ceramic language'

New Romance - Anna Davis on "New Romance" as a title

New Romance - Anna on Davis on "What is Posthuman"?

New Romance - Anna Davis on choosing the artists

New Romance - Anna Davis on the how the exhibition came about

New Romance - Anna Davis on Stelarc and Nina Sellars

New Romance - Anna Davis on Giselle Stanborough

New Romance - Anna Davis on Patricia Piccinini and Peter Hennessey

Hear a variety of voices from across the museum. 

Listen to exclusive audio with MCA curators and artists, exhibition guides as well as live recordings of lectures, events and public programs.

Popular tracks by MCA Australia