Inaugural Australian performance by US artist Nick Cave
Published on the 09 Nov 2016
Featuring thirty colourful horses HEARD•SYD is a spectacular new public performance by leading American artist Nick Cave that is set to transform sites across Sydney and at Carriageworks with three live events including more than 60 dancers and musicians.
Presented by Carriageworks and City of Sydney present HEARD•SYD is the first major work presented in Australia by this acclaimed artist.
Set to live percussion, HEARD•SYD will disrupt the daily activity of Sydneysiders with an exuberant and surreal explosion of equestrian activity. Performed over two days on Thursday 10 and Saturday 12 November 2016, Cave’s large-scale and seminal work brings together more than 60 Sydney-based dancers and musicians bringing to life 30 colourful, life-sized horse-suits.
The horse suits are constructed from coloured raffia and found materials. Inhabited by two dancers at a time, the soundsuits produce a distinctive sound when activated. The project is a unique opportunity for local performers to work directly with Cave and American choreographer Will Gill.
Frequently cited as one of the most important artists of his generation, Cave is best known for his ‘soundsuits’ – intricate sculptures that combine art, fashion, dance and music. Taking inspiration from African ceremonial costumes, Tibetan textiles, and popular culture, both as static sculptures or objects in motion, these works command authority, their unspecified occupants immediately becoming anonymous, androgynous and nationless.
Encouraging an almost pastoral dream-like state, HEARD•SYD is described as an escapist response to the bustle of the city, its architecture, parks and urban spaces. It is presented free to the public.
Cave has reimagined HEARD especially for Sydney, with previous iterations of the project presnted in Dallas, Texas (2012), in Grand Central Terminal in New York City (2013), and in Detroit, Michigan (2015).
Carriageworks and UNSW Art & Design are cultural partners and a number of the support team and performers involved in the project are UNSW students and alum.