Primavera 2014 at the Museum of Contemporary Art

By Benjamen Judd

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September brings with it many good things – baby animals, flowers, colourful clothing. But one of the things we sit around in serious anticipation for is the annual Primavera exhibition of Young Australian Artists at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), starting Tuesday, September 23.

First launched in 1992 by Dr Edward Jackson AM and his wife, Cynthia Jackson in honour of their daughter who died at 29, Primavera has evolved into one the best celebrations of young artists and creativity hosted by an Australian gallery.

This year, the MCA has invited artist Mikala Dwyer as a guest curator for Primavera 2014. Dwyer has exhibited widely in Australia and abroad and was one of four artists in the inaugural Primavera: The Belinda Jackson Exhibition of Young Artists at the MCA in 1992.

Primavera curator Mikala Dwyer said of her approach to the process of working on the exhibition:

‘I am privileged to have travelled to parts of Australia I have never been to in the process of curating Primavera for the MCA, visiting and viewing the work of many brilliant young artists.

When I think through the work of the artists I’ve selected for Primavera, all sorts of ideas, interests and associations pop up, including Surrealism, robotics, queer fertility, ritual, time, witchcraft, science, alchemy, dreaming and telepathy.
This Primavera is but a small selection of young Australian artists making wonderful work driven by an endless intelligence and deep curiosity. I am ever grateful for their inspiration and resilience.’

Taking place alongside the exhibition will be numerous artist talks where you can hear first hand the ideas and motivation behind the collection of works. Entry to Primavera is free so there is absolutely no reason to skimp out on this event.

Primavera 2014: Young Australian Artists will take place at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) from September 23 until November 30.