Sydney-born Parisian artist Angelica Mesiti has been commissioned for her very first solo presentation at The Art Gallery of NSW (AGNSW), conceived as an immersive video and sound installation based on communal rituals and seasonal cycles.
Taking place in the gallery’s unique Tank space, Angelica Mesiti: The Rites of When will run from Saturday, September 21 to Sunday, May 11, 2025, with free entry for all visitors.
As with everything that takes place in the former World War II oil tank, the work has been designed according to the space’s unique architecture, with seven huge video screens interspersed between the Tank’s collection of concrete columns. Mesiti has put together a film of music and dance, combined with drone footage to express various celebrations relating to both the longest night and longest day of the year.
Hinging the work on the hibernal and aestival solstices means plenty of deeply immersive natural visuals entwined with “seasonal rituals” and an exploration of the relationship between humans, nature and the cosmos. The cerebral concept is designed to take further Mesiti’s essay on human behaviour through the lens of choreography, performance and a strong connection to the natural world.
“Working with artists to make a new, site-specific work in response to the scale, structure and sonic qualities of the distinctive Tank space has fast become a highlight of our curatorial program,” said AGNSW’s Director, Michael Brand.
“This work marks an important shift from the role of the artist as an observer to her role as a creator of alternative worlds. Mesiti’s interpretation of our globalised existence is a reminder that in times of permanent crisis, culture and community matter deeply.”
Entry to the exhibition is free to the public and is located at the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ new building, Naala Badu.
Art Gallery of NSW
Address: Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
Contact: 1800 679 278
Opening Hours: Tuesday (10am—5pm); Wednesday (10am—10pm); Thursday—Monday (10am—5pm)
