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…
‘Journeys North’ focused on Queensland photography; all of the photographers involved were long-term residents of Queensland or had strong associations with the state. Graham Burstow, Lin Martin, Robert Mercer, Glen O’Malley, Charles Page and Max Pam each travelled to different regions of the state where, over a period of around 18 months, they documented the lifestyles,…
Continue reading » “Journeys North: Charles Page photographs subjects which intrigue him”
My life in Queensland — dream of a reality — that dream becomes reality — reality is but a dream. Bobby Lees, Sculptor/performer/builder, Sunshine Beach Lin Martin produced a series of portraits which captured a number of unique characters within their own environments. Curator Claire Williamson noted in the 1988 catalogue essay, ‘Photographic practice in Queensland…
Continue reading » “Journeys North: Lin Martin does not choose her subjects at random”
Twenty eight years since ‘Journeys North’ was first exhibited allows us to revisit this important artistic achievement; to re-examine the subjects examined and reflect on their relevance today. Queensland has, of course, changed in myriad ways in the intervening years, however ‘Journey’s North’ provides an intriguing and enduring visual record of the people and places…
Continue reading » “Glen O’Malley records Queenslanders’ daily experiences”
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 mid 1980s, with the financial assistance of the Australian Bicentennial Authority, the Queensland Art Gallery commissioned six photographers to produce a portfolio of black and white works on the theme of community life in Queensland. First exhibited in 1988, the Gallery now presents a comprehensive selection from this portfolio, allowing us to see…
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.