Primavera is an annual exhibition of young Australian artists aged 35 years and under. Since 1992, the Primavera series has showcased the works of artists in the early stages of their career, many of whom have gone on to exhibit nationally and internationally. In 2014, Primavera celebrates its 23rd edition.

The MCA has invited artist Mikala Dwyer as a guest curator for Primavera 2014. Dwyer has exhibited widely in Australia and abroad and was one of four artists in the inaugural Primavera: The Belinda Jackson Exhibition of Young Artists at the MCA in 1992.

Primavera curator Mikala Dwyer said of her approach to the process of working on the exhibition:
‘I am privileged to have travelled to parts of Australia I have never been to in the process of curating Primavera for the MCA, visiting and viewing the work of many brilliant young artists.

When I think through the work of the artists I’ve selected for Primavera, all sorts of ideas, interests and associations pop up, including Surrealism, robotics, queer fertility, ritual, time, witchcraft, science, alchemy, dreaming and telepathy.

This Primavera is but a small selection of young Australian artists making wonderful work driven by an endless intelligence and deep curiosity. I am ever grateful for their inspiration and resilience.’

*image (left)
Hossein Ghaemi,
Frank: Hole up – Hold up 2013,
performance view,
YOU’RE HISTORY, Performance Space, Sydney.
Image courtesy the artist and The Commercial Gallery, Sydney
© the artist.
Photograph: Nic Dorward.