On the face of it, Sydney Long’s (1871-1955) Spirit of the Plains 1897 is an unusual painting to have emerged from the Antipodean colonies in the final years of the nineteenth century. Find out why and delve into its beauty, and the mythology of a burgeoning Australian nation, then go behind-the-scenes as conservation x-rays reveal…
Continue reading » “Dancing across the landscape is the spirit of the Plains”
The work by Vida Lahey (1882-1968), one of Queensland’s best loved artists is widely admired for her watercolour floral studies, however in Morning light, Brisbane River c.1925-30 Lahey has beautifully captured the effects of light on water, and also provides us with a little mystery which you may be able to solve for us, let…
Continue reading » “Go back in time to a morning on the Brisbane river”
As the hours, days and weeks in which we have recently been confined to our homes compressed and merged into an endless monotony, certain moments of beauty that have been lurking in the minutiae of domestic ordinariness shone through. The slowing of my once busy schedule provided more opportunity for reflective movements. I’ve become mindful…
Grace Cossington Smith’s artworks are a reminder that joy is all around us. In her hands, an array of objects, the fold of a tablecloth or light falling through stained glass inspire delight and open windows onto her world. We look to the paintings of Cossington Smith who found pleasure in the things about her.…
A striking drawing in blue wax pastel by Mackay-born Danie Mellor explores the complex, often troubling intersections between Indigenous and frontier histories, and brings to light the complicated narratives of Australia’s colonial past. The pleasure and vexation of history 2017 is reminiscent of a tropical paradise — an idyll of tranquillity. Skilfully hand-drawn, and based…
Continue reading » “Danie Mellor: The pleasure and vexation of history”
These colourful and whimsical soft sculptures were created by women from the Yarrenyty Arltere Artists, an Indigenous art enterprise near Alice Springs. We delve into the origins of these remarkable creatures, as well as the positive impact that making art has had on the local community. Yarrenyty Arltere Artists, an Indigenous art enterprise in Yarrenyty…
Continue reading » “Yarrenyty Arltere Artists: Soft sculptures”
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art stands and recognise the creative contribution First Australians make to the art and culture of this country.