Liverpool Biennial 2023 – uMoya: The Sacred Return of Lost Things
Maja Lorkowska, Exhibitions Editor
The most exciting event in the North’s art calendar is back! Liverpool Biennial 2023 returns from 10 June with a brand new theme and a whole host of fantastic artists. Taking over most of the designated art venues and popping up in some more unexpected locations around Liverpool, the UK’s oldest art festival is surely one to mark in your diary.
The Biennial’s 2023 edition carries the title of uMoya: The Sacred Return of Lost Things and is curated by Khaniyisile Mbongwa. The word ‘uMoya’ in isiZulu language means spirit, breath, air, climate and wind and the theme is a call for the return of ancestral knowledge, wisdom and healing. As always, the festival organisers keep an eye on the most up-to-date issues and trends of the contemporary art world and this year is no different – the concepts and importance of drawing on indigenous insight have been highlighted by artists in recent exhibitions time and time again.
The 12th edition of Liverpool Biennial brings together a plethora of interpretations and ideas from artists from all corners of the world. This edition includes a brand new venue too with one of the larger exhibitions taking place at Tobacco Warehouse (read our full write-up of what’s on in that venue) as well as the city’s main art venues: Tate Liverpool (we also have a full write-up exploring what’s on there), Bluecoat, FACT and Victoria Gallery and Museum.
While acknowledging the losses of the past as a result of colonialism and the resulting disastrous consequences, the works which we will see in the Biennial highlight the ability of people and objects to manifest power as they move around the world. Rather than looking back, the artists look to a brighter future and the experience of being really, truly alive and living with intention. The festival will feature over 30 artists and collectives including Albert Ibokwe Khoza, Brook Andrew, Eleng Luluan, Julien Creuzet, Nicholas Galanin, Raisa Kabir and Torkwase Dyson.
Liverpool Biennial 2023 is filled to the brim with exhibitions, community events, talks, workshops, performances and fringe activities so there is an exciting summer of art to look forward to.
