Australian artist Margaret Olley (1923-2011) worked extensively within the tradition of still life and interior subjects during the second half of the twentieth century, and made them uniquely her own. She established her reputation both locally and nationally with her colourful and vibrant paintings. In 1942 Olley moved from Brisbane to Sydney and enrolled at…
Continue reading » “Margaret Olley paints a room filled with her personality”
Paintings of jacarandas in bloom have become a popular and appealing subject for Brisbane artists, the most famous image of the jacaranda is R. (Richard) Godfrey Rivers’s painting Under the jacaranda, which has achieved enormous popularity since it was painted and acquired by the Gallery in 1903. The image depicts Rivers and his wife Selina…
Continue reading » “Bask in purple bloom of the jacaranda all year round”
Lewis Jarvis (LJ) Harvey (1871−1949) was the single greatest influence on visual culture in Queensland in the first half of the twentieth century, this important artist and teacher, and his students, highlights why Harvey was such an inspirational figure. Harvey was a distinguished modeller, woodcarver, potter and teacher active in Queensland during the first half…
Queensland textile designer Olive Ashworth (1915–2000) made a major contribution to Australia’s visual culture. Authors and academics Nadia Buick and Madeleine King have explored the works of this local artist , whose stunning designs are part of the Australian collection. Ashworth was born in Brisbane and educated at Somerville House. After the death of her…
Continue reading » “The textile designs of Olive Ashworth: A unique Queensland style”
At a time when most Australian galleries were temple-like buildings that upheld the exclusivity of art appreciation, architect Robin Gibson’s Queensland Art Gallery was truly extraordinary: through the language of Modernism, Gibson’s intention was to democratise art and bring it to the people. Louise Martin-Chew spoke with QAGOMA Director Chris Saines CNZM on his plans…
The monumental work Rainforest and mist in afternoon light 2002 by esteemed Queensland painter William Robinson depicts the Springbrook landscape, part of Queensland’s Gold Coast Hinterland, where Robinson’s studio was situated at the time. The artist spoke to QAGOMA Director Chris Saines in his home studio in suburban Brisbane. CHRIS SAINES | You’ve painted a number…
Continue reading » “William Robinson deconstructs ‘Rainforest and mist in afternoon light’”
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.