It’s here… the NGV Architecture Commission 2023: (This is) Air by Nic Brunsdon
A giant inflatable sphere – which literally breathes throughout the day – is the NGV’s 2023 Architecture Commission. Making the invisible visible, (This is) Air, developed by Nic Brunsdon in collaboration with ENESS, draws attention to one of the universal and defining features of life on Earth: breathing air. Utilising air as a building material, the commission morphs and changes throughout the day as it expands and then releases air in a natural rhythm. A poignant study of air and time, the fully inflated spherical structure stands over 14 metres tall, evoking a sense of uplifting optimism.
Throughout the day, the structure ‘exhales’, releasing gusts of air and forming an array of cloud-like configurations, before filling to capacity once more.
The structure invites audiences to consider humanity’s relationship to this essential and yet invisible element. By making air seen, heard and felt, the work highlights our connection to and dependency on air – a finite resource whose quality is becoming increasingly affected.
“The annual NGV Architecture Commission offers a platform for Australian designers and architects to realise an ambitious new work of ephemeral architecture that pushes their practice into new and surprising frontiers. Since its inception in 2016, these imaginative structures have created a place for the community to come together, and many of these commissions have gone on to win some of the world’s most prestigious design and architecture awards. This series truly exemplifies the NGV’s commitment to uplifting Australia’s outstanding design and architecture practitioners and showcasing their achievements to a global audience.”
Tony Ellwood AM, Director, NGV.
2023 NGV Triennial exhibition
This year’s Architecture Commission forms part of the 2023 NGV Triennial exhibition, which brings contemporary art, design and architecture into dialogue, offering a visually arresting and thought-provoking view of the world today. Three key thematic pillars of Magic, Matter and Memory anchor the NGV Triennial, with Brunsdon’s architectural concept responding to the thematic pillar of Matter. This theme seeks to draw together nature, material and making, reminding audiences of the interconnected frameworks of biology, geology and physics while highlighting their relationship to and reliance on natural systems.
Throughout the summer months, (This is) Air is the location for a myriad of public programs, performances and more in the NGV Garden.
How do we see the NGV Architecture Commission: (This Is) Air?
The NGV Architecture Commission 2023: (This is) Air is on display as part of the NGV Triennial 2023 from 23 November 2023 – June 2024 at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Entry is FREE. For further information, please visit the NGV website: NGV.MELBOURNE
The 2023 NGV Architecture Commission is supported by The Hugh D. T. Williamson Foundation.
Installation view of the 2023 NGV Architecture Commission: (This Is) Air designed by architect Nic Brunsdon in collaboration with ENESS. (This Is) Air is on display from 23 November 2023 until June 2024 at NGV International, Melbourne. Photos: Tim Carrafa
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