David Medalla is a unique figure in the history of twentieth-century art. His unpredictable and playful approach to art-making has made him difficult to categorise, but he is increasingly recognised as a significant figure in the development of installation, kinetic and participatory art. His practice deliberately avoids the idea of sculpture as solid, timeless and…
Robert Mercer’s photographs feature Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in far north Queensland, focusing on local culture, work places and events. Following is his artist statement from the original ‘Journeys North’ exhibition. These photographs emanate from two trips I made to northern regions of Queensland. In September 1986, I visited Yarrabah Aboriginal mission, Cairns, Mantaka and…
Continue reading » “Journeys North: Robert Mercer’s photographs focus on local culture”
In the years leading up to 1988, the Galley commissioned six photographers to produce a portfolio on the theme of community life in Queensland entitled ‘Journeys North’. Their images looked at attitudes to Australian community life, and the unique qualities of the Queensland lifestyle, land and environment. Last exhibited January 1988 it is an ideal time…
Continue reading » “Journeys North: Graham Burstow’s photographs concentrate on leisure”
Leang Seckon is one of the few remaining artists in Cambodia who lived through, and directly experienced, the Khmer Rouge period (1975–79). His memories of this time, and his upbringing in the difficult era that followed, continue to be motifs in his works. Leang’s paintings are strongly autobiographical and reflect his experiences of the tumultuous…
Continue reading » “Memories continue to be motifs in Leang Seckon’s works”
Carrie McCarthy walks us through her first Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, as one of our biggest fans, we invited her in for a photo shoot and a chance to reflect on the exhibition series. I was sixteen and doing work experience at the Gold Coast Art Gallery. My supervisor had received a fax…
Continue reading » “APT8: They say you never forget your first time”
Paphonsak La-or’s sharply realistic drawings, paintings and conceptual works critique Thai politics and history. His recent series ‘Silent No More’ features empty landscapes around Fukushima and Futaba in Japan, areas abandoned following the 2011 nuclear disasters. La-or viewed the terrain obsessively through Google Maps and discovered a connection between his fascination with these quiet, uninhabitable…
Continue reading » “APT8: A sense of unease undermines tranquillity”
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.