Installation view of the 2023 NGV Architecture Commission: (This Is) Air designed by architect Nic Brunsdon in collaboration with ENESS. Photo: Ben Hosking.

During our solemn Week of Reflection, I travelled to Melbourne to preview NGV’s 2023 Architecture Commission, feeling somewhat heavy-hearted from an avalanche of strong reactions my thoughts generated, not to mention the state of the world right now. Witnessing most of NGV’s annual commissions since their debut in 2016—a place for community, programs and events—has always been a treat. But little did I know this 7th iteration would be so profound that it would become the only viable kick-off to our ‘regular programming’ after our week-long editorial pause.

Developed by talented WA-based architect Nic Brunsdon in collaboration with Melbourne-based art and technology studio ENESS, (This is) Air is a giant 14-meter inflatable sphere that breathes throughout the day. Making the invisible visible, the sphere draws attention to one of the universal and defining features of life on Earth—breathing air.

Installation view of the 2023 NGV Architecture Commission: (This Is) Air designed by architect Nic Brunsdon in collaboration with ENESS. Photo: Tim Carrafa.

Portrait of architect Nic Brunsdon with the 2023 NGV Architecture Commission: (This Is) Air on display from 23 November 2023 until June 2024 at NGV International, Melbourne. Photo: Tim Carrafa.

Render of (This is) Air by Nic Brunsdon, the 2023 NGV Architecture Commission. Render courtesy of Nic Brunsdon.

Deeply reflective and poetic, the installation gently sways in the wind, morphing and changing as it expands and then releases air in a natural rhythm. “Air and breathing are our common act—both equalising and non-discriminatory,” says Nic. A poignant study of air and time, the inflated sphere evokes a moment of pause and provides more than a hint of optimism and hope. “It is alive, dynamic and multi-faceted. It reminds us of how we are all interdependent and connected,” continues Nic.

By making air seen, heard and felt, the work highlights our connection to and dependency on air—a finite resource whose quality is becoming increasingly affected. Ewan McEoin, NGV’s Senior Curator, Contemporary Art, Design and Architecture, adds: “Air can be understood as part of our global economic, social and ecological realities. And yet, the quality of air we breathe varies depending on where and how we live. Air is universal, yet clean air is not.”

Installation view of the 2023 NGV Architecture Commission: (This Is) Air designed by architect Nic Brunsdon in collaboration with ENESS. Photo: Ben Hosking.

Perhaps the most compelling kind of ephemeral architecture firmly rooted in concept, what I loved the most about (This is) Air is how epic yet unassuming its presence was. Whether you see it as a ‘giant burrata’, a ‘Chinese spy balloon’, or your reaction is far more emotional than mine, this commission’s true power is that it asks nothing of you. It’s anything but dogmatic. It invites personal reflection.

It speaks to our shared humanity and offers the ultimate gift of empowerment—it doesn’t dictate how we should feel.

The NGV Architecture Commission 2023: (This is) Air is on display as part of the NGV Triennial 2023 from 23 November 2023 to June 2024 at NGV International. Free entry. For further information, visit the NGV website.

[Images courtesy of NGV. Photography by Ben Hosking and Tim Carrafa.]