Liverpool Biennial 2012, The Unexpected Guest

Liverpool Biennial 2012, The Unexpected Guest, is set to open tomorrow, Saturday 15 September and will run until the 25 November. Curated by Sally Tallant, it is the largest contemporary festival in the UK and runs for ten weeks every two years, comissioning the most exciting artists from around the world. In 2010 the event attracted over 600,000 visitors marking Liverpool as a City rich in visual arts.

Set to take place across a wide range of locations, some of the established museums, galleries and venues hosting will includ: The Cunard Building, Tate Liverpool, The Monro, The Bluecoat, Everton Park, Victoria Gallery and Museum and The Royal Standard. A variety of events are planned and some of the highlights will come from acclaimed US artists Doug Aitken, who will present a major public commission installed temporarily on Albert Dock and designed by the artist in collaboration, David Adjaye, while American Rhys Catham will be opening a spectacular concert with 100 electric guitarists in Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral. Other work will come from Argentina’s Jorge Macchi and Israel’s Oded Hirsch.

As it is the Olympic year, Liverpool Biennial is set to explore the theme of hospitality. The Unexpected Guest examines the cold code of conduct we extend to strangers and also alludes to the conditions and energies that inspire artists. Artists and visitors are invited to bring new understandings of hopsitality to the incresingly globalised event, showcasing work by over 60 leading and emerging artists.

The Unexpected Guest, Liverpool Biennial 2012, www.biennial.com

Credits
1. Patrick Murphy, Belonging, 2012 courtesy of The Walker Art Gallery Photo: Mark McNulty
2. Oded Hirsch The Lift 2012, courtesy of Liverpool ONE Photo: Jerry Hardman-Jones
3. Jose Angel Vinchench, Exile, 2010, courtesy of Public Realm Photos: Jerry Hardman-Jones