According to the Biennale's curator, Isabel Carlos, the Biennale doesn't have to be understood, you just have to feel a reaction towards the conceptual art - any reaction. The Biennale's theme of `Reason and Emotion' aims to create an awareness of our emotions and the way they function and to see how easily we are manipulated. In the next few paragraphs I will discuss the validity of a thematic approach to an exhibition and discuss artists' works and the ideas behind them. I will also be exploring the audience.

The theme of the Biennale of Sydney `Reason and Emotion' causes us to reflect on many levels of human endeavour. Damasio believes emotion is crucial to human intelligence and this contributes to the development of self. As humans we constantly struggle for a balance in our lives and most feelings are expressed here. Carlos believes that a Biennale should...