Tempest Transforms TMAG

Pat Brassington Untitled 1989

A storm of artistic activity has descended on the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG), with the opening of major new art exhibition Tempest as part of Dark Mofo 2016.

Tempest has been conceived and developed by internationally acclaimed curator Juliana Engberg and has transformed TMAG’s galleries into a world of shipwrecks and stormy seas, romance, discovery, tragedy and magic.

The ambitious exhibition includes works from well-known international and national artists alongside historic objects and works from the State Collection, and has taken over TMAG’s temporary galleries as well as making its mark on the Central Gallery and other spaces throughout the museum.

Tonight TMAG will be filled with sound, light, music and entertainment as visitors glimpsed Tempest for the first time, on the opening night of Dark Mofo.

The exhibition continues until 20 November, complemented by a rich and exciting public program including curator talks, school programs, concerts and theatrical performances.

TMAG is collaborating with Tasmanian arts organisations such as the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Terrapin Puppet Theatre, the Festival of Voices and Blue Cow Theatre Inc to bring the exhibition alive for the public.

Owl

Director Janet Carding said Tempest was a highlight of TMAG’s 2016 program, and was helping the museum achieve the goals set out in its recently-released Strategic Plan.

“It is a key part of the Strategic Plan to activate the museum through a dynamic program of exhibitions, events and activities year-round, and Tempest is a perfect example of the museum working to meet this goal,” Ms Carding said.

“Tempest sets a new level for the dynamic exhibitions and programs the museum aspires to deliver as a must-see tourist destination and cultural hub for all Tasmanians.

“It also demonstrates the museum’s commitment to developing partnerships in order to create exciting and innovative projects for the public.

“It has therefore been wonderful to strengthen our collaboration with Dark Mofo in 2016, with Tempest’s themes and ideas providing the inspiration for this year’s festival.”

Visitors will have increased opportunities to experience Tempest during Dark Mofo, with a special public holiday opening on Monday 13 June and extended opening hours until 7:00 pm on Friday 17 June. For more details of Tempest public programs during Dark Mofo, download a flyer here.

Tempest is presented by TMAG in association with Detached Cultural Organisation and Dark Mofo with support from the Australia Council.

Tempest is on show at TMAG until 20 November 2016. For more information, visit the exhibition web page.

Ships

Image details: (top) Pat Brassington, Untitled (1989), silver gelatin print. Courtesy of private collector, Bett Gallery and the artist.
(middle) An owl perched in Prospero’s Library.
(bottom) Model ships and maritime paintings featured in Tempest.