The NGV have announced their Architecture Commission for 2022: a reimagining of The Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens called 'Temple of Boom'.
An evocative reimagining of The Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens, Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang’s Temple of Boom is the NGV Architecture Commission for 2022, an annual series that invites Australian architects to create a work of site-specific, ephemeral architecture for the NGV Garden.
The likeness of The Parthenon will be painted with overlapping large-scale artworks by Melbourne-based artists, imbuing the ancient monument with further layers of meaning and drawing inspiration from the vibrant colours and artistic embellishments that defined the original building over two-thousand years ago.
The Parthenon at the NGV
- The NGV’s 2022 Architecture Commission is a reimagining of The Parthenon
- It’s based on the global architectural icon on the Acropolis in Athens
- It will be on display for free from 16 November 2022 at NGV International
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A global architectural icon, The Parthenon, an Ancient Greek temple, is an apex symbol of Western civilisation, democracy and perfection. Temple of Boom aims to celebrate these interpretations, while simultaneously trying to expand Melburnians’ understanding of the iconic Parthenon building and the enduring beauty it emanates.
Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang say they’re inviting audiences to reflect on the conversations that are enabled when this ancient building is viewed in new and surprising contexts. In particular, the projects ask us to consider the effect of time on all architecture. Temple of Boom reflects the slow yet unstoppable processes of change that transform all cultural, geological and ecological systems. The geological forces that shape the world, layers that accumulate as cities grow over generations, the rise and fall of monuments set against a backdrop of social, political and cultural change.
Taking its name from the vibrations of music, Temple of Boom is envisioned as a meeting place for the community and an outdoor venue for a diverse program of NGV-curated performances, programs and live music across the summer period.
Steve Dimopoulos MP, Minister for Creative Industries, said: “A subject close to my own heart, this year’s NGV Architecture Commission reimagines an ancient Greek icon while celebrating all things Melbourne – architecture, art and music. It offers a place for the whole community to meet, connect, reflect – and even dance, while showcasing Victorian design excellence.”
Tony Ellwood AM, Director of the NGV, added: “One of the most famous examples of classical architecture, The Parthenon in Athens is often viewed as a potent symbol of Western art and culture. This thought-provoking work by Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang invites us to consider how we create and imbue architecture with meaning, as well as how this meaning can shift across time periods and cultures.”
The NGV Architecture Commission 2022: Temple of Boom will be on display from 16 November 2022 at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Free entry.
The NGV Architecture Commission Design Competition process is developed and delivered by CityLab.
