Art Nouveau jewellery

Crafted by French master horn-carver Georges Pierre (1873–1943), Cicada pendant necklace c.1910 (illustrated), and three other delicate examples of Art Nouveau jewellery already in the Collection, greatly enhances the Gallery’s holdings from this significant period. Georges Pierre ‘Cicada pendant necklace’ c.1910 The shapes and rhythms of nature inspired the style now recognised as Art Nouveau.…

Private Collectors, Public Benefactors: Ian & Judeen Airey

Benefactors of the Gallery for 25 years, Ian and Judeen Airey recently raised the Collection’s holdings created by Japan-based French artist Paul Jacoulet from one work to 28. Here, the Aireys share something of themselves and their approach to collecting, and giving, with the wider Gallery community. Paul Jacoulet ‘Une belle de Palaos’ 1935 Paul…

Fairy Tales: Through the Looking Glass

Fairy tales transport us to faraway lands that exist out of time. In much-loved and endlessly retold stories overflowing with kings and queens, castles and carriages, feasts and riches, we find adventure, community, happiness and love. Celebrating classic tales of enchantment, transformation and caution, together with contemporary retellings by creative storytellers, the exhibition explores how…

Birds of Passage: The influence of travel & cross-cultural experience

‘Birds of Passage’, a display in Queensland Art Gallery’s Philip Bacon Galleries opening 24 February 2024, sees the works of artists Ian Fairweather and Paul Jacoulet illustrating the influence of travel and cross-cultural experience on their respective works. In bringing together these artists, the Gallery celebrates the power of cultural exchange in creative practice. ‘Birds…

Horseman of the apocalypse

Sitting astride a black horse decorated with beading, crochet, skulls and flea-market finds, a red-turbaned figure stands at a crossroad of histories, cultures and materials. Ambassador 2 (illustrated), acquired with funds from Tim Fairfax AC, comes to the Gallery from celebrated British artist Hew Locke’s series of equestrian statues adorned with symbols of regality and…

The horse: Companion & muse

The horse has been a integral part of human history for millennia, prized both for their agility, speed and endurance, or strength needed to pull a plow or a carriage full of people. However improved transportation options towards the end of the 1800s, especially the construction of railways, and the development of new mechanical innovations…