New York Jewish artist at the NGV
The NGV has launched pioneering Jewish American conceptual artist Lawrence Weiner’s latest installation OUT OF SIGHT, a participatory hopscotch-inspired artwork that aims to inspire and engage through positive visualisation.
Installed in front of NGV International’s iconic Waterwall and stretching 16m long, OUT OF SIGHT is on view from 10 February until 17 April 2017.
Developed for all walks of life and especially young people, OUT OF SIGHT invites visitors to think creatively about the direction of their lives as they encounter the floor-based work.
Tony Ellwood, Director, NGV, said: ‘We’re thrilled to be one of the first museums in the world to stage Lawrence Weiner’s newest work OUT OF SIGHT, which will also be presented in cities including New York, Houston, Chicago and Shanghai. Using Weiner’s characteristic text-based approach, OUT OF SIGHT will explore the concept of uncertain futures with visitors encountering a number of different phrases and ideas as they move along the hopscotch.’
Bronx-raised Lawrence Weiner
The installation will be accompanied by additional OUT OF SIGHT elements including a short film that features reflections on the artwork from Melbourne high school students. The opening weekend for OUT OF SIGHT will be marked by a series of dynamic performances showcasing the unique talents of local teenage creatives in fields such as music, dance, comedy and sport. Through these OUT OF SIGHT-inspired performances the process of practicing, honing and then performing will be on show, providing a window into teenage life and the act of becoming.
NGV Teen Guides will also be on hand to activate OUT OF SIGHT, offering visitors their own diverse perspectives on the artwork and encouraging conversation and speculation about the intention behind the work. Following a successful pilot program, NGV Teen Guides will be launched as an ongoing initiative to coincide with the opening of OUT OF SIGHT, allowing teenagers to make their voices heard within the gallery.
Lawrence Weiner was born in 1942 in the South Bronx, New York City. He is considered a central figure in the development of conceptual art during the 1960s. Weiner is renowned for his predominantly text-based artworks that use language as a form of sculpture, replacing traditional material with ideas. His artworks have been exhibited all over the world during a prolific career spanning more than fifty years.
Lawrence Weiner: OUT OF SIGHT is on display at NGV International from 10 February – 17 April 2017. Open daily, 10am-5pm. Entry is free.
Visitors are encouraged to share their OUT OF SIGHT experience: #OUTOFSIGHTNGV
The National Gallery of Victoria is at 180 St Kilda Rd Melbourne
