Massive art project to feature 60 dancers & musicians in Sydney

One of the most important artists of his generation, Nick Cave is best known for his “soundsuits” – intricate sculptures that combine art, fashion, dance and music. Now these soundsuits are coming to two spaces in Sydney for three performances.

Encouraging an almost pastoral dream-like state, Cave’s massive work HEARD·SYD is an escapist response to the bustle of the city of Sydney – its architecture, parks and urban spaces. Performances will be presented free to the public on Thursday, November 10 at 5 pm at Pitt St Mall, Sydney and again on Saturday, November 12 at 10 am and 12 pm at Carriageworks, located at 245 Wilson Street in Redfern.

Cave has previously presented other iterations of the project, including HEARD·TX in Dallas, Texas (2012), HEARD·NY in Grand Central Terminal, New York (2013), and HEARD·DETROIT in Detroit, Michigan (2015).

Speaking about the project in 2013, Cave said, “I was really thinking of getting us back to this dream state, this place where we imagine and think about now and how we exist and function in the world… I think we tend not to take the time out to create that dream space in our heads.”

Prompted by American choreographer William Gill, Cave’s colourful, life-sized horse-suits will shuffle, toss their heads, paw the ground, prance, trot and nuzzle each other, building to a riotous, ritualistic rumpus.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore stated, “Public art has a wonderful capacity to surprise and inspire passers-by, breaking us out of the hustle and bustle of the daily commute. We’re working with Carriageworks to attract top flight artists who will inspire and start conversations.”

These performances of HEARD·SYD will mark the first time American artist Nick Cave has presented a major work in Australia. In total, it will involve 60 Sydney-based dancers and musicians. Two dancers inhabit each suit at a time.

If you’re a Sydneysider, this is bound to be one unforgettable, exuberant and surreal explosion of equestrian activity. With fascinating inspirations like African ceremonial costumes, Tibetan textiles and pop culture, Cave’s suits act as both static sculptures and objects in motion. While his works command authority, their unspecified occupants immediately become anonymous, androgynous and nationless. 

For more information, visit carriageworks.com.au.