Art for the People: Bodies and Borders
Art for the people behind the scenes
The private areas rotation takes place at least once a year, during which the judges’ chambers, offices, and communal or semi-public spaces are refreshed to showcase different artworks from the Collection and to inspire those who work in the Court building daily. Importantly, this process also serves as a key preservation measure, allowing artworks to rest after being on display for extended periods.
This year, our team has decided to assign the title: Bodies and Borders to the rotation, accompanied by a different theme to each of the three floor levels of the court:
Level A - Borders(Place, Social Structure, Culture & Identity);
Level B - Bodies (The Body as a Site of Power, History, Protest and Resistance); and
Level C - Bodies(Healing Architectures - Recovery and Rehumanization).
As a team, we carefully designed the layout and began installing artworks in the private areas for the people who work behind the scenes of the Court building. We decided to select CCAC artworks that had been in storage for quite some time, pieces that, most importantly, spoke to the people of the Court building. As we began the installation, level by level, there was a tangible buzz in the air. People were inspired and almost rejuvenated by the artworks. A sense of vibrancy filled the corridors as staff walked past the pieces, pausing to share which ones resonated with them most.
It felt rewarding for us as a team to see how the CCAC artworks could speak to people and bring a sense of joy. There were even moments when certain artworks sparked debate, where some pieces were not as well received, and when we noticed several people felt the same, we readjusted. This process reminded us of an essential truth in curating: finding the balance between the initial design layout envisioned by curators and the lived experience of the people who encounter the works daily.
One judge's PA remarked, “Now the Court feels like there are people working in this building.” That comment stayed with us. It made us reflect on the true role of the Collection and the role of curators. We realised that collaboration, listening, and curating as a team is what truly brings the Collection to life. What felt even better was witnessing how almost everyone in the Court building connected with the artworks and appreciated the renewed vibrancy of the Collection.
Art is meant to speak to us in the present, even if it was created many years ago. It serves to inspire, interrogate, and spark imagination. Art is, ultimately, for the people. Bringing many of these works out of storage was an inspired decision, one that allowed so many to rediscover the beauty, energy, and relevance of the Collection.