Opening event: Thursday 8th November 7pm for a 7:30 start.
Floor Talk: Saturday 10th November 2pm.
Celebrated Australian Artist Kay Kane mounted her solo exhibition “Honouring Tradition” at our own Petrie Terrace Gallery this week, this is Kay’s first solo exhibition in Australia and she’ll be exhibiting works spanning her 45-year career. Among the 49 works on display there will be portraits, still life, landscapes and figurative works including the seminal piece “Restoration of Venus”.
“Restoration of Venus” centre panel.
This 9-metre work comprises 5 panels and fills an entire wall in the gallery. Originally created for her doctorate, this monumental work depicts a series of female nudes in an Australian landscape. Employing exceptional compositional nuance and subtle moments of abstraction within the classical form, Dr Kane evokes beauty and sublimity in the scene rendering a sense of quiet and calm. The position of the subjects and the recurring motifs found in the angle of branches, flow of the figures and the position of hands guides the viewer through this scene with a natural ease not easily achieved in such a large and ambitious piece.
“Restoration of Venus” is underpinned by Dr Kane’s theoretical exploration into the depiction of feminine beauty in light of the attitudes adopted by 20th century modernists and the subversion of the female nude in popular culture. You can flick through Dr Kane’s Exegesis available for viewing during the run of this show. Or find it online here.
This is the first time ‘Restoration of Venus’ has been exhibited since it’s showing in Crane Galleries Philadelphia, USA in 2013. Don’t miss your chance to see this amazing piece in person!
Join us for the opening on Thursday 8th November 7pm for a 7:30pm start or come by on Saturday 10th November 2pm for a floor talk by the artist herself.
Exhibition continues until Saturday 17th November, private viewings and outside of hours appointments available on request please contact our Gallery Director – Rochelle Lindquist (07) 3367 1977.
The Young Artist Award 2018 opened to a receptive crowd at our own Petrie Terrace Gallery last Wednesday 17th October. The award was officially opened by CEO of Artisan Claire Sourgnes and judged by our own fellow of the RQAS Glen Gillard.
Our Opener Claire Sourgnes Prepares to make her mark on our interactive canvas wall!Claire honours us with the very first mark!
Claire Sourgnes spoke of the challenges facing young artists and shared some sound advice with our young artists on building their careers. She then honoured us by painting the first mark on our interactive canvas wall, this fun activity will be open to all patrons until the close of the Young Artist Award, simply drop a coin in the donation jar and make your mark! The RQAS would like to thank Art Shed for sponsoring our interactive art wall for the Young Artist Award.
The brief for the 2018 Young Artist Award called for our young artists to create work ‘drawn from life’ and they didn’t disappoint, the variety of styles belied the unique nature of each young artists burgeoning practice.
Prizes:
Prizes were offered in two categories for the Young Artist Award 2018 separated by age, section one was open to 18-30 year olds and section two 14 -17 year olds.
“Books and Bouquets” By Claudia Anne Lee.Claudia Anne Lee with her award winning work “Books and Bouquets”.
The first prize for section one (18-30 years old) went to Claudia Anne Lee for her quirky and delightful piece “Books and Bouquets” of the work our judge commented that the difficult medium of watercolour was “very nicely handled with subtle notes here and there. Design, composition, use of tone and colour indicates a sound knowledge, and promise of things to come for this artist.”
“Denim Daze” By Benjamin Dutton.Benjamin Dutton with his award winning work “Denim Daze”.
The second prize for section one (18-30) went to Benjamin Dutton for his elegantly executed piece “Denim Daze”. Our judge noted “A simple statement, a jacket, with real consideration of design – one arm folded, and jacket slightly skewed adds interest to an ordinary subject. A nice variety of marks and convincing use of tone. Good observation.”
“Something Old” by Alexandra Leyshon.Alexandra Leyshon with her award winning work “Something Old”.
In Section two (14-17) the first prize was taken out by Alexandra Leyshon for her disarming piece “Something Old”. Of the work our judge noted a certain “element of sophistication and maturity in this portrait. Tone and drawing well observed. A bold and striking statement.”
There were also three highly commendeds award in section one.
“Pearl: Paste-A-Partner” By Spectator Jonze.Spectator Jonze with her award winning piece.
A highly commended went to Spectator Jonze for her Pop-Art piece “Pearl: Paste-A-Partner”. The judge commented that the work was “nicely composed. Discordant colours adding a subtle tension, but well resolved.”
“Homage to Matisse” By Jessica Malousis.Jessica Malousis with her award winning work.
A second highly commended went to Jessica Malousis for her piece “Homage to Matisse” our judge commented it was “a well thought out piece with good use of warm and cool colour. Clever placement of repeating shapes – containers, chairs, stripes. Eye catching because of the drama – strong light and dark.”
“A Study in (Re) Contextualisation” By Daniel Sherington.Daniel Sherington with his award winning work.
And a final highly commended went to Daniel Sherington for his exacting work “A Study in (Re) Contextualisation”. Our judge commented “Some confident and refined pen work in this drawing.”
The Young Artist Award will be on display at Petrie Terrace Gallery until the 27th October 2018. Join us for the closing event 2pm on Saturday 27th October we will be announcing the people’s choice winners of our Hard and Agnes Richardson Drawing Prize and The Queensland Figurative 2018.
The RQAS Biennial opened with a splash at our own Petrie Terrace Gallery last Wednesday 5th September. With over 150 people in attendance for the gala opening and awards night for the first of our three Biennial exhibitions, the Queensland Figurative.
From Left: Judge Lewis Miller, First Prize Winner Anton Piche, His Excellency and RQAS President Marg Thomas in front of the winning piece “Whats Unknown Between Us?”
The Queensland Figurative
This year’s Queensland Figurative has attracted some stellar artists including RQAS members such as; Peter Hubbard, Lesley Shelly, Boyd Craig, Elena Ventura, Robyn Bauer and others. Our outside selection panel picked our finalists and, in a tradition, established with the 2014 Figurative we secured another Archibald winner as our judge, Mr Lewis Miller who joined the ranks of previous Queensland Figurative judges; Wendy Sharpe and Frank Giacco. The show was blind judged and curated and hung by members not exhibiting. To read about the opening night, read our judges’ comments and see who took out a prize click here.
A Night of Sacha Drake Fashion
We’re excited to have Sacha Drake hosting a fashion show on Thursday 13th September 7pm for 7:30pm, come along enjoy a glass of bubbles and a night of fashion and art. Follow the link below to book your tickets now!
Melika Adel, one of our artists in residence for the RQAS Biennial 2018.
Artists in Residence
Besides the fashion show and the gala opening we will also be hosting resident artists Babak Jamali and Melika Adel in our newly appointed Solo Studio. Iranian artists – Babak Jamali has a PHD in The Philosophy of Art and will be travelling from his home in Tehran to participate as one of our artists in residence during the Biennial. Melika Adel, whom some of you may know as a dedicated volunteer and our RQAS Secretary, will also be participating in the inaugural program. Melika is fresh from completing her Masters in an Interdisciplinary Major of Creative Industries at QUT. The RQAS is pleased to have them joining us as artists in residence from 10th September until their group show in The Studio Gallery commences on the 6th November running until 17th November, keep an eye out more details to come. And contact the gallery to find the best time to visit them in the Solo Studio.
Portrait of Harold Richardson held in the RQAS permanent collection
The Harold and Agnes Richardson Drawing Prize
Following the Queensland Figurative will be the Harold and Agnes Richardson Drawing Prize. Harold Richardson was an RQAS President and our first gallery director. Richardson became involved in the society in 1940s and stayed active in the society until his passing 1984. served the society in a variety of roles during this time, though not an artist himself Harold Richardson worked tirelessly to increase the profile of the RQAS along with his wife Agnes, a talented artist and long-standing supporter of the RQAS. The HARD Prize was first established in 1984 shortly after Harold Richardson passed away, it was named the Harold Richardson Drawing Prize in his memory. Agnes Richardson continued to have a strong presence in the RQAS even after Harold’s passing and lived to celebrate her 100th Birthday. With her passing in 2008 an endowment of funds was left to the RQAS to continue the drawing prize and Agnes’s name was added to the prize in her memory. This prestigious award celebrates the foundational skill of drawing, and has a long and proud history. You can read more about Harold and Agnes here.
And you can download an entry form for the HARD Prize here.
Pop – Up Cafe and Artist Demo Day
During the Harold and Agnes Richardson Drawing Prize we will be hosting a Pop-up Café and Artist demo day in the Gallery on Saturday 30th September. Come along and enjoy a cup of tea and some nibbles and watch one of our masterful RQAS members at work. Gayle Reichelt will be doing a pouring demonstration, Penelope Gilbert NG will be delighting us with her penchant for pastels and Dr Kay Kane will be delivering an artists talk on Tacit Knowledge and Art. Entry $5.
Our 2016 winner “Origin Stories, Easter Special” By David Fenoglio
The Young Artist Award
The Young Artist award returns again for this year’s Biennial! First introduced for our inaugural Biennial in 2016 and open to 17 to 30 years old, the Young artist award seeks to provide a platform for emerging artists. This year the award has expanded to include two age categories 14 – 17 and 18 – 30. We’re excited to provide an opportunity for young artists. During the run of the show we will an interactive painting, where you can come and mark your own mark on the canvas!
To learn more about the Young Artist Award and download an entry form click here.
Such is Life – John Kane in Concert
During our Young Artist Award John Kane former lead singer for The New World Trio will be performing in a one night only concert “Such is Life” on Saturday 20th October! Follow the link to get your tickets now!
The packed house at the opening of the Queensland Figurative 2018
The Queensland Figurative opened last Wednesday night to a packed house of over 150 patrons. Now in its third year, this unique and prestigious prize celebrates the wealth of artistic talent on offer in the sunshine state. The exhibition was officially opened by His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC. As the champagne flowed and the docile tones of Campbell Ross’s classical guitar wafted through the gallery anticipation built. The question on everyone’s lips was who would win the major prize of $10,000? Our excitable crowd speculated wildly, our finalists giddy with champagne and the promise of glory.
His Excellency delivers the opening address
Our Judge Lewis Miller took to the stage and spoke of the diversity and talent on display. A hush went over the room on the cusp of the announcement the first prize winner. The crowd jostled for position, the room was so packed that people were standing on the stairs to better see the stage.
And the winner of the Queensland Figurative 2018 is Anton Piche! Mr Piche won our first Queensland Figurative in 2014, a renowned artist whose work and list of accolades speaks for itself. Read our judge’s comments below and find links to our winner’s social media and or sites at the end of this blog.
From Left: Judge Lewis Miller, First Prize Winner Anton Piche, His Excellency and RQAS President Marg Thomas in front of the winning piece “Whats Unknown Between Us?”“What’s Unknown Between Us?” By Anton Piche
First Prize: Cat #5 “What’s Unknown Between Us?” By Anton Piche
Judge’s Comments: After carefully considering the terms and conditions of the application for this prestigious prize, I was eventually drawn to one picture. This picture demonstrates an understanding of the problems involved in composing a figure or figures in a real observed space. I feel sure that the bulk of this picture has been drawn / painted from life. This was an important consideration for me as the judge. This is a picture that has not come about easily, but it shines out with a certain authority.
Judge Lewis Miller and Second Prize Winner Craig Amos in Front of his piece “The Long Lunch”Craig Amos had a winning smile to match his second place winning work.
Second Prize: Cat #43 “The Long Lunch” By Craig Amos
Judge’s Comments: Second Prize goes to “The Long Lunch” by Craig Amos where a scene reminiscent of fin de siecle Parisian café / concert has been transposed onto a Queensland Bar scene starring a cocktail slurping heroine in a red dress and straw hat and a boorish drunk making his point one too many times.
Revee Bendixen with her Highly Commended piece “No More Hiding”“No More Hiding” by Revee Bendixen.
First Highly Commended: Cat #15 “No More Hiding” By Revee Bendixen
Judge’s Comments: The first highly commended will be awarded to “No More Hiding” By Revee Bendixen which is a bold representation on a modest scale of Sapphic love, a lifelong preoccupation of the great sculptor Auguste Rodin. I liked the simplicity and immediacy of touch.
Judge Lewis Miller and Anne-Marie Zanetti with her Highly Commended work “The Longing”“The Longing” By Anne-Marie Zanetti.
Second Highly Commended: Cat # 47 “The Longing” by Anne-Marie Zanetti
Judge’s Comments: The second highly commended went to Anne-Marie Zanetti, an arresting picture, that uses photography unashamedly but succeeds by combining strong patterning with an affectionate portrait.
From Left: Judge Lewis Miller, Gina, Anton Piche, His Excellency, RQAS President Marg Thomas, Anne-Marie Zanetti and Craig Amos.
There were a total of 49 finalists in this year’s Queensland Figurative, head over to our RQAS Biennial page to see a full list of our finalists. The Queensland Figurative 2018 will be on show until Friday 21st September, drop by the gallery to see this amazing collection of talented Queensland artists and vote for our People’s Choice, the winner will received $500! Petrie Terrace Gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday 10am – 3:30pm
Our first ever Modernism exhibition opened last Wednesday evening to a packed house at our own Petrie Terrace Gallery. This open exhibition called for artists to create work in the style of their favourite modernist artist or movement and our artists didn’t disappoint. A total of 59 artworks are on display by 38 artists, the ecliptic exhibition includes cubist works, fauvism, impressionism, surrealism and art nouveau to name a few.
Our judge for the exhibition was Vanessa Van Ooyen senior curator at QUT Art Museum and William Robinson Gallery. You can find her judges’ comments and a list of the winners below.
” I am Van Gogh”, by Gemma Garcia-Roman. Picture by Joanne Heath
1st Prize
“I am Van Gogh” # 58 – Gemma Garcia Roman
“Gemma’s work draws upon the stories surrounding the life of the great Modernist artist, Vincent Van Gogh, cutting his ear off.
Her hand built ceramic work is playful in its exaggerated forms and colour, displaying technical skill across mediums in the hand built ceramic and portrait of Vincent. It’s a unique and witty interpretation of this great artist’s pain.”
Members of Mars Collab from left; Stephen Kelly, Margot Tidey and Cody Robb with their award-winning work “After Balson 1947”
2nd Prize
“After Balson, 1947” # 36 – MarS Collab.
“Clever conceptual work that questions the uniqueness of the art object and ideas of authenticity inspired by one of our great Abstractionists working in this country, Ralph Balson. What will the artwork be in the future if a computer can artificially generate it? What is the nature of creativity in a world where computers are increasing the tool of choice and arbiter of knowledge.”
“Two Sister” By Olga Bakhtina.
3rd Prize
“Two Sisters” # 8 – Olga Bakhtina
“This work reminds me of the exquisite female Modernists working in Paris in the early part of the 19th Century such as Marie Launcerin. There is a confidence in this work with its sophisticated composition, curvilinear forms, use of colour, texture and pattern. I love the balance of boldness and subtlety in this work”.
“It does Look like her Jackson, Just ask Miro” By Greg de Silva.
Highly Commended
“It does look like her Jackson, Just ask Miro” # 58 Greg De Silva
“Melding some of the greats of the 20th century such as Miro, Pollock and Picasso as inspiration this work brings a smile as you comprehend the huge disparity of styles in what is simply termed ‘Modernism’.”
Drop by the gallery before Friday 31st August to see this wonderful exhibition and to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award!
Image: “Adelaide Nightscape” By Mike White to be featured in the RQAS Modernism Exhibition Opening on Wednesday 8th August 7pm.
We often say now that life moves fast, our world is ever-changing from fashion trends to technology and industry and it can be hard to keep up. If you have ever wondered when western society started to put the pedal to the metal it can traced back to the age of modernity. Following the period of enlightenment in the early 19th century, the age of modernity began and with it the innovations of industry and technology that have lead us to today.
In the art world Modernism as a movement can be traced back to 1860s. The movement began with Manet and proto-impressionism and culminated in Abstract Expressionism and Jackson Pollack’s drip paintings of the 1950s. In a way this timeline can be seen as a gradual flattening of the picture plane and reduction of subject matter. In Clement Greenberg’s famous words “Realistic, naturalistic art had disassembled the medium, using art to conceal art; Modernism used art to call attention to art.” In essence by the time Jackson Pollack was pouring and flicking his brush on larger than life canvas, paintings were no longer of people or places, paintings were of paint.
To understand that progression we must take a step back to the first Modernist painters – Manet and his school of impressionists. These artists rejected mimesis and the idea of the painting as a window into another world, the techniques they used evolved and became painterly. They played with perspective rendering the picture plane illogical. But that was not all, for the first time in art instead of subject matter drawn from mighty Greek mythology or religious rhetoric, they pursued subjects of modern life; the Flaneur on the streets, the gentlemen and ladies strolling in the public gardens or the underbelly of the Parisian nightclub scenes. Their choices in style, technique and subject matter revolutionised the art world and the term “Impressionists” initially coined by a journalist and intended as an insult now reminds us of the subtle beauty of the Monet’s Lilies, or the muted melancholy of Degas’s Absinthe Drinker.
And thus Modernism began with a bang disrupting centuries old traditions and much like the locomotive of the same vintage took off going faster and further than anyone could have predicted. Impressionism was followed by post-impressionism, Art Nouveau, Symbolism, Fauvism, Cubism, Futurism, Constructivism, Dadaism, The Avant Garde, Surrealism, De Stijl, Colour Field Painting and Abstract Expressionism. With the same velocity the world changed and evolved giving way to new technologies and industries. From industrialism to electricity to photography, film and automobiles, aeroplanes and radio, it really was a time of rapid change and with this change shifts to societal perception, attitudes and art.
Modernism is without a doubt one of the fastest shifting and most influential periods of art history and yet each movement contained with the kaleidoscopic sphere of Modernism though fast was not fleeting, the mass appeal of Impressionism, Cubism or Surrealism continues to thrive finding a new audience with each generation of art lovers.
The RQAS’s Petrie Terrace Gallery is holding its first Modernism Exhibition opening on Wednesday 8th August 7pm. Come along and meet the artists and discuss why this period of art is still so captivating today.
Artist Demonstration and Q and A: Saturday 28th July 12pm
Award-winning Brisbane printmaker Wayne Singleton has mounted his solo show “Cutting Both Sides of the Line” at Petrie Terrace Gallery this week to an enthusiastic reception from members and art-lovers alike. The show includes over 50 original prints and multiple editions along with a small selection of sculptures by acclaimed glass artist Jo Bone.
Pictured: Wayne Singleton printing at Brisbane Grammar School.
The self-described printmaker finds an interesting balance bringing a softness and subtlety to an often stark and strong medium usually regulated to the decorative arts or technical arts. Wayne says of his practice “I find myself both facing the world and withdrawing to the meditation space of my studio. I can’t conceive of myself living an authentic life without a balance of both. My wellbeing and prints are a by-product of a curious life lived in that balance. Is it Art? Does it matter? Not to me, but they are prints and I am the printmaker.”
The show will be officially opened this Sunday 22nd July at 12pm by Brisbane Grammar’s Head of Art Angela McCormack, we hope to see you there. If you can’t make the opening why not pop by for the artist demonstration and Q and A event in the gallery on Saturday 28th July at 12pm.
Now in its 128th year the RQAS Members Annual is our longest running exhibition, this year’s show comprises of one hundred and twenty-seven artworks exhibited by 63 RQAS Brisbane Branch artists. The exhibition was curated with style and flair by former gallery director of Petrie Terrace Gallery Peter Hubbard and award-winning artist Meredith Howse.
John Kane and Marg Thomas delight the crowd, image by Joanne Heath.
The exhibition was officially opened on the evening of Wednesday 27th by Professor John Kane with a rousing speech, and some words by RQAS President Marg Thomas. The pair also treated the crowd to some live music stylings with Marg on the piano and John on vocals. The opening event was a major success with over 100 people in attendance.
The difficult task of judging the outstanding collective exhibition was undertaken by award-winning artists Denis Brockie and Richard Blundell who commented on the diversity and quality of the work displayed.
Vivenne Seattle with her award-winning piece “Yellow-scape” image by Joanne Heath.
Best Artwork Prize was awarded to Vivienne Searle for “Yellow-scape” the judges commented “The work is bold, assured and unfussy. The artist has united the piece with harmonious earth colours that evoke connotations of landscape and yet there is a looseness, a spontaneity. The work is strong yet unpretentious.”
Daniel Sherington with his award-winning artwork “Transition 4” image by Tracey Spalding
The Youth Prize which was open to all exhibiting artists 30 and under was awarded to Daniel Sherington for “Transition 4” which the judges said showcased “strong draughtsmanship” and went on to comment “this delightfully off-beat work evokes a graceful energy”
“The Beach Goers” by David Ladley.
First Prize in Section 1 (Works on Canvas or Board) was awarded to David Ladley for “The Beach Goers” The judges commented, “The work has a strong painterly treatment that comfortably carries the narrative”.
Casey Charles with his award-winning work “Not Impressed” image by Tracey Spalding.
Second Prize in Section 1 (Works on Canvas or Board) went to Casey Charles for his charmingly sardonic piece “Not Impressed”. The Judges commented, “The piece is executed with assurance; the artist has nailed the expression”.
Kathy Sullivan with her award-winning work “Unfurling” image by Joanne Heath
First Prize in Section 2 (Works on Paper) was awarded to Kathy Sullivan for her piece “Unfurling” which the judges called “technically magnificent”.
“Newstead Wharf” by Tony Walker
Second Prize in Section 2 (Works on Paper) was taken out by Tony Walker for his expressive work “Newstead Wharf” of which the judges said, “an interesting scene masterfully handled”.
Vanessa Bertagnole’s Husband and daughter Zara with her award-winning work “Brisbane Car Wash” image by Tracey Spalding
First Prize in Section 3 (Photography and Digital Art) was awarded to Vanessa Bertagnole for her thought-provoking work “Brisbane Car Wash” the judges commented it was “a most interesting image which requires a good look to comprehend”
Carel Thysse with his award-winning piece “Medicine Dance Trevi, Italy” image by Tracey Spalding.
Second Prize in Section 3 (Photography and Digital) was taken out by Carel Thysse for “Medicine Dance Trevi, Italy”. The judges noted “The work draws on complex imagery to evoke an old-world tradition”
Susan Margaret with her award-winning piece “Sweetly sings the bird” image by Tracey Spalding.
First Prize in Section 4 (Sculpture) was awarded to Susan Margaret for “Sweetly Sings the Bird”.
Bill Gale with his award-winning piece “Introspection” image by Tracey Spalding.
Second Prize in Section 4 (Sculpture) went to Bill Gale for “Introspection”.
Such was the quality of the work exhibited that the judges felt the following highly commended awards should be given out.
Highly Commended in Section 1 (Works on Canvas and Board) was awarded to Christine Groh for “Just for a Walk” the judges called it “Exotic and delightful.”
Highly Commended in Section 2 (Works on Paper) was taken out by Wilna Ten Cate for “Olga” the Judges comments were “A difficult medium handled well.”
Joanne Heath next to her highly commended work “Dance of the Red Balloon 2”
And finally, a Highly Commended was awarded to Joanne Heath for “Dance of The Red Balloon 2” of which the judges commented “The work is other-worldly and mysterious”
The 128th RQAS Members Annual continues the tradition of celebrating our organisation and our artists with exemplary work.
Exhibition continues until Friday 13th July, drop by the gallery Tuesday through Sunday to see this fantastic show or book an out of hours private viewing through our gallery directors Rochelle Lindquist and Vashti-Sita Bardsley.
Please email gallery@rqas.com.au for a copy of the catalogue or follow this link to a facebook page with the catalogue.
Opening hours: 10am – 3:30pm
The Verlie Just Collection is coming to Petrie Terrace Gallery! The works exhibited are from the personal collection of Verlie Just, director of Brisbane’s renowned private gallery The Verlie Just Town Gallery and Japan Room 1973 to 2000.
Verlie’s gallery occupied several spaces over the course of her illustrious career including the York Building, Queen Street where the Myer Centre now stands, Macarthur Chambers and Charlotte House.
Verlie herself lived art and craft, and encouraged young artists as well those well established. Verlie was not a dealer who resold works: she acted on behalf of the artist. A wide range of genres and styles were shown in her gallery as her requirement was “good of it’s kind”, be that abstract, figurative, landscape, portrait, naive or sculptural installation.
Along with selected works from her personal collection the exhibition will include some educational and archival material about Verlie’s life as a key figure of the Brisbane Art Scene.
* For sales inquiries please contact Anita Milroy verliejust2018@gmail.com
* To book a private viewing or organise an appointment outside of gallery hours please contact Rochelle Lindquist – Gallery Director gallery@rqas.com.au
Image: “Verlie” by John Rigby
