Floating Land, Noosa’s highly anticipated art in the environment biennale, has ignited a wave of excitement and curiosity within the community this winter. The recent unveiling of FL23 Unauthorised Voices program online marks a groundbreaking shift in how the event’s installations are presented and perceived.
Carefully curated, Floating Land: Us and Them showcases a diverse lineup of artists whose thought-provoking works prompt us to question our place in the world. As a collective, these artists challenge our assumptions, unravel prejudice, and present creations that embrace the power of discomfort. Audiences are invited to embark on a journey that interweaves art, nature, and the human condition.
Floating Land curator Michael Brennan said “while some of these works may initially push us out of our comfort zones, they provide an opportunity to step into someone else’s shoes and gain fresh perspectives. By finding common ground, we foster connections within our community, transcending divisions.”
In a departure from traditional art jargon, FL23 Unauthorised Voices sees descriptions, reviews, and interpretations of the installations by members of the local community propelled to the foreground. Community Critics and Kidsplained for example, offer accessible interpretations through the eyes of diverse community members, including children.
Sparking conversations online, Community Critics sees art reviews written by community members including Graham Causon, a local barber, dedicated lifesaver Nikolai Knudsen, Cr Amelia Lorentson from the Noosa Shire Council, naturopath Lucy Schmid and even artificial intelligence chatbot Chat GPT. Community Critics invites the community to join the conversation online and contribute their own thoughts and reflections.
For Kidsplained, Red Handed Productions, who work in collaboration with First Nations leaders, recently captured the genuine reactions of local children encountering Floating Land 2023 projects for the first time. Through a series of ten short videos, the children share their thoughts, emotions, and interpretations, providing a unique glimpse into the installations’ impact on young minds. Shared across Floating Land’s social media platforms, these videos offer the delightful honesty and unfiltered viewpoints of children.
The final project for FL23 Unauthorised Voices is FL23 Zines which unites young designers, artists, local galleries, and the community in responding creatively to the theme of ‘Us and Them.’ The result is an extraordinary collection of zine publications that push the boundaries of contemporary design and explore the core themes of Floating Land 2023. Visitors will be able to see these zines in print at Noosa Regional Gallery and online via the Floating Land website.
Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart, expresses her delight at the community’s enthusiastic involvement in Floating Land this year, stating, “It’s fantastic to witness such widespread engagement and diverse contributions to Floating Land. The collective voices of our community enhance the chorus of creativity.”
Floating Land 2023 is more than an exhibition—it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the power of art to bridge gaps, challenge conventions, and foster unity. Join us in this remarkable journey and be a part of the ongoing conversation.
Floating Land: us and them will run until 30 July. Entry to the event is free. Visit floatingland.org.au
