This chapter highlights that kinetic sculpture has at times been used in art history today to refer to an antiquated artistic practice, which has consequently contributed to a long-standing ‘flagrant dearth’ of critical and historical engagement with movement in art. Despite this attitude there has been an increasing amount of exhibitions which have turned to avant-garde kinetic artworks and sought new interpretations of the roles and affects of movement in sculpture and installation. This chapter argues that this turn towards movement in art contributes to a key trend in contemporary art and give indication to our current sense of contemporaneity in art and society.

Introduction: Peculiar Time

The key aspects and features of the 2008 Biennial of Sydney as well as the rationale behind the biennial are discussed. Some of the different sites for the biennial and all that it offered is highlighted.

Michael Desmond

Papers

Back to the Future?: 2008 Biennale of Sydney