Who is David Sequeira?
Artist, curator, son, partner, brother.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I don’t know… I would love to delete the times in my life when I have been an absolute idiot and I am not clear that I have always fully appreciated the people around me who are no longer around… but hey, I’m human and I’m still here.
Who inspires you and why?
I am really inspired by my parents. They migrated to Australia with 2 young children in 1970 (before mobile phones and the internet) and found a way to be homesick for Delhi whilst creating a home in Melbourne. I never get tired of thinking about the enormity of them selling everything they owned to buy one way airline tickets. I have such respect for the bravery of their vision and their capacity to bring their dream to reality.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Curating exhibitions and making art are my favourite ways of a making a difference in the world… I like to think that my projects expand conversations, reveal complexity and facilitate connection in the world.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Kochi, India: beautiful, relaxing, ocean, great food, contemporary art community. Paris, France: great mix of flea markets and museums.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I let my friends go to sports events, big museum shows and stadium gigs by themselves. I prefer to introduce them to intimate venues that represent the work of some of the city’s most forward-thinking creatives. I especially like to keep it local… drinks at home followed by a short walk to Errol Street. Dinner at Manzé, North Melbourne… Mauritian restaurant and wine bar… small venue with big flavours, casual… lots of style without being overstated. Contemporary dance/ performance at Arts House, North Melbourne (if you can get a ticket)… experimental, challenging and always deeply moving.
What are you currently reading?
Lonely Planet Honolulu Waikiki & Oahu… It’s not exactly great literature, but it’s well researched and my partner and I are getting ready for a short trip later this year!!!
What are you currently listening to?
I have been listening to the album We Are by Jon Batiste for almost a year…. I was so happy when it won Album of the Year at this year’s Grammy Awards… Batiste has so much presence… jazz/ funk/R +B… intense and soulful, celebratory and joyous… deeply satisfying and full of pride. I keep watching his videos over and over. Here’s the link to the OUTSTANDING video for Freedom. ‘Cause when I look up to the stars I know exactly who we are’ – Jon Batiste, Freedom
Happiness is?
My family, a home made curry, a killer playlist and a great outfit.
What does the future hold for you?
I’ve got a 30 year track record of exploring the possibilities of contemporary art, art history, museums and curatorship… trust me, I still have a lot of work to do.
David presents his major solo exhibition, All the things I should have said that I never at the Bunjil Place Gallery, Narre Warren from Saturday 7 May until Sunday 21 August 2022. For more information, visit: www.bunjilplace.com.au for details.
Image: David Sequeira (supplied)