The second edition of Fremantle Biennale – UNDERCURRENT 19 – will officially open this Friday with the Australian premiere of a spectacular light display at Esplanade Park.
From 7pm on Friday night the internationally-renowned Studio Roosegaarde will present the large scale light installation Waterlicht, marking the first time the studio has presented the work in the Southern Hemisphere.
Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said he couldn’t wait to see the cascading waves of blue light projected across the Esplanade to create the illusion of being underwater.
“Fremantle is a place that embraces bold, ambitious and thought-provoking art, and the City of Fremantle is proud to again be supporting Fremantle Biennale,” Mayor Pettitt said.
“It’s very appropriate to be staging Waterlicht at the Esplanade because it’s all reclaimed land and 120 years ago the whole area actually was underwater.
“While Waterlicht will be staged on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, the Biennale will continue for the next three weeks in locations right across Fremantle.
“Over the next three weeks people might notice a mysterious red-ness spreading from South Beach, through to the West End and the port.
“You can also see some beautiful underwater films over at the WA Maritime Museum, or lie on a bed surrounded by a sea of sunlight at Old Customs House.
“In fact there are works from more than 40 local, national and international artists to come and see, and most of it is free, so everyone should come down to Freo and have a look.”
Running from 1-24 November, Fremantle Biennale is a city-wide contemporary art program showcasing experimental site responsive work from established and emerging artists from across the world.
It’s supported by Principal Partners the City of Fremantle, Australia Council for the Arts, Minderoo Foundation and the University of Notre Dame.
