Intersecting the essence of the museum’s raison d’être, ‘Theatre of the World’ explores the connection and continuity between old and new art.

Theatre of the World engages, and rejects, the widely held notion that ancient and contemporary works of art are inherently different, and that we must burden the past with the weight of history.

 
Theatre of the World is a kaleidoscope: here the viewer sees the object, and that is enough. This notion harkens back to the Renaissance view that art and knowledge are inextricably intertwined. This art is visual poetry.

 
Theatre of the World has, as its backbone, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery collection of Pacific barkcloths and Mona’s collection of everything. Other sources are tapped when required to enhance the perceptual interplay, or on whim.

 
In the theatre of the world art is a conveyor of dreams, a mobilizer of imagination, and a conduit for emotion. When we find beauty sometimes we need look no further.

Theatre of the World runs from through 8 April 2012 at MONA.

Curated by Jean-Hubert Martin.
A MONA and TMAG (Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery) collaboration.