The Gallery acknowledges the passing of Queensland photographic artist Graham Burstow OAM. Born in Toowoomba in 1927, Burstow was initially self-taught, but later took instruction as a member of the Camera Club Movement. Working on black-and-white film, he was a subject-driven social documentarian with a keen lens for every-day Australians. A foundation member of the…
‘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”
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”
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.