There is a light at the end of the tunnel – a flickering ember of hope – as the organisers of the iconic Dark Mofo Festival in Hobart announced the return of a full two week program for the brilliant event in 2022. Early announcements of music and events herald something quite exciting. After a cancellation in 2020 and a truncated week long festival in 2021, the Festival will now take place between 8 June and 22 June. A fortnight of gothic excess and indulgence infused with creativity and entertainment at the southern edge of the world: the only place to be to sit out the cold winter. Read our extensive coverage of previous events here.
Dark Mofo Creative Director Leigh Carmichael says:
We’re beginning a new era of Dark Mofo, exploring the ideas of rebirth, reincarnation, and new life. We’re privileged to have some internationally renowned artists confirmed for this year, alongside exciting locals. It feels like the cultural world is re-emerging post-covid, and so will the festival.
The full Dark Mofo 2022 program will be announced in April.
Week One highlights include the launch of the festival’s full art program, including influential video and new media artist Bill Viola (USA), as well as the photographer, sculpturist, and multi-channel video artist Doug Aitken (USA)
Plus a special ‘Mona Up Late’ opening of three new major exhibitions: Jeremy Shaw (Canada), Fiona Hall (lutruwita/Tasmania) and AJ King (lutruwita/Tasmania bigambul/wakka wakka), and Robert Andrew (Brisbane Yawuru).
Dark Mofo organisers also announced that this year will welcome the return of its infamously debaucherous costume event, this year titled The Blue Rose Ball.
Week Two (15–22 June) will see the usual fascinating and eclectic mix of musicians.
A highlight will be celebrated musician, composer and producer Nils Frahm (Germany) playing a number of world premiere shows titled ‘Music For Hobart’. He will also perform at the Opera House as part of VIVID Live, with the festivals working together to secure exclusive Australian performances.
Other major international artists feature as well, including performances by the devastatingly beautiful, classically-trained multi-instrumentalist Lingua Ignota (USA), the visual artist, writer, actor and a founding member of the post punk experimental rock band Sonic Youth, Kim Gordon and band, performing songs from her 2019 solo release ‘No Home Record’, renowned space rock band Spiritualized (England), an exclusive appearance from rock band Deafheaven, plus a full band rock set from Chelsea Wolfe and a solo piano set from Emma Ruth Rundle (USA).
Dark Mofo 2022 also welcomes back its signature events including the City of Hobart Winter Feast on the waterfront, plus Night Mass: Transcendence* taking over the In The Hanging Garden precinct, the nipaluna/Hobart’s community cultural event Reclamation Walk, and the Nude Solstice Swim welcoming back the light after the longest night.
It’s great to return to the abnormal.
Feature Photography: Dark Lab Media
