MCA Undergoes Transformation: Changing the Face of Contemporary Art

by Laura Wilson on May 24, 2011

The countdown is on. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), located in The Rocks, Sydney, is undergoing a transformation that will see it expand its current size by almost 50 percent. “Following a major AUD$53 million redevelopment, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney will reopen. . . as a bold, new and significantly expanded Museum. The opening of the new MCA promises to be a highlight on the international art calendar, as the Museum is transformed into a major cultural centre for contemporary art and education” [1].

Sydney architect Sam Marshall, in conjunction with the NSW Government architect, will see his vision materialise by March 2012. Unfortunately for this to occur the museum will be closed for construction work from 20 June until early 2012. It is important to stress that during this time the MCA will continue to offer exhibitions offsite.

Contemporary art is one of those topics that can cause friends to argue, the public to roll their eyes, and even those with a foundation in the arts to scratch their head occasionally. The most common response I hear is, “I don’t get it”. Guess what? That’s ok. Sometimes it is this quality alone that makes it intriguing. It’s like music. Everyone likes music but perhaps not the same style. It may create feelings within you that you can’t understand or even know where they come from. You can find something interesting without actually liking it. Former aesthetics, which were the cornerstone of art appreciation, have become less important as the architecture of art has found new blueprints in contemporary art.

If an artwork moves you through its cleverness, wit, craftsmanship, scale, beauty or even repulsive qualities- if it moves you at all then it is a success. We live in a world of instant gratification. Click it, swipe it, own it, watch it. While modern day ease can be beneficial, along with it can come ho hum drum. Anticipation, excitement, even hard work evaporate with the instantaneous nature of our current culture. Contemporary art replaces some of these elements. It stirs something in your soul. This ‘something’ is individual, yet vital. The MCA plays an important role in providing access to quality contemporary art.

According to MCA Director, Elizabeth Ann Macgregor: ‘This expansion will cement the MCA’s role as a locally loved and internationally renowned contemporary art museum, which supports and promotes Australian artists alongside their international peers. Our commitment to education comes from our belief that creativity and education in the arts are the critical building blocks for a dynamic community’ [2].

I couldn’t agree more.

Over the next month the gallery has some enticing exhibitions before they go offsite:

Michael Stevenson a New Zealand artist based in Berlin, has been described as an ‘anthropologist of the avant-garde’. This exhibition is the first Australian survey of his work and is running until 19 June 2011.

MCA Collection: New Acquisitions in Context 2010 celebrates five years of the MCA’s successful New Acquisitions series of exhibitions. It is presented throughout the Museum’s Level 4 galleries and showcases recent acquisitions alongside selected works from the existing MCA and JW Power Collections. This exhibition runs until 19 June 2011.

MCA EVENT: GENERATIONEXT allows 12 - 18 year old high school students to talk art, eat food, drink mocktails, participate in art-based competitions & listen to live music with no teachers or parents allowed. Check it out on Sunday, 29 May, 6 - 8pm. RSVP essential by Thursday 26 May to 02 9241 7196 or generationext@mca.com.au. FREE entry!

Once the MCA galleries close for redevelopment, there will be exhibitions offsite. The first exhibition in this program is Tell Me Tell Me: Australian & Korean Art 1976-2011, hosted at the National Art School Gallery, Darlinghurst from 17 June – 24 August.