If you thought Hyper Real couldn't get any more surreal think again. The National Gallery of Australia is hosting three Hyper Real Nights where the experience of mingling with the hybrid creatures, nudes, and immersive art is taken to the next level.
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On November 10, 17 and 24 not only will you get to tour the exhibition after dark, there'll be cutting-edge cocktails and live performances throughout the galleries.
Drawing inspiration from the jaw-dropping artworks in Hyper Real, contemporary dancers from the Australian Dance Party harness the power and playfulness of the moving body as they travel through the exhibition.
Lingering in Patricia Piccinini's extraordinary video installation, The Breathing Room 2000, the dancers interact with their audience to create a dynamic response to the artist's fascination with evolution and ethics.
Canberra's own writer, rapper and slam poet Omar Musa also returns to town, to lead his listeners on a journey through the gallery space, performing a thought-provoking and downright provocative original piece inspired by hyperrealism.
There will also be performances from classically trained violinist Mr Michael who uses his instrument to break the boundaries of musical genres, fusing rock, classical, hip hop, house, jazz, funk and soul. With Hyper Real featuring artists who extend the traditional parameters of the hyperreal genre through kinetic sculpture, video and bio art and virtual reality, Mr Michael provides the perfect musical accompaniment to the NGA's after-hours adventure.
We can't wait to see how the 13 elderly life-sized human replicas of army generals, religious and political leaders of various nationalities, wearing very formal costumes sitting in motorised wheelchairs that spin around the room and occasionally bump into each other, might enjoy the night.
When Canberra Times art critic Sasha Grishin reviewed the exhibition he said Inverso mundus was a highlight.
Set with a specially built 360 degree amphitheatre the seven channel presentation admits the viewer into a hyperreal fantasy world where the existing world order is overthrown.
"The audience is mesmerised, perplexed and excited," Grishin said.
"This is a great example where the new technologies of the hyperreal are employed to communicate a powerful and memorable content."
Will be interesting too to see what happens in this space after dark.
Tickets are $55 or $50 concession, $45 for NGA members and that includes exhibition entry and one drink. Bookings are essential and can be made through nga.gov.au
The Canberra Times has two double passes to give away to Hyper Real Nights, for the November 10 event. To win email canberralife@canberratimes.com.au and tells us what your favourite piece is in the Hyper Real exhibition and why.
Competition closes Friday November 10 at 10am.
