Exhibition inspired by Bimblebox Nature Refuge
Published on 26 August 2015
Several Central Queensland Artists will have their work displayed in a national touring exhibition showcasing artists’ interpretations of the Bimblebox Nature Refuge.
Bimblebox: Art – Science – Nature: Expressing the quintessential Australian landscape will open at Rockhampton Art Gallery on 29 August.
The local artists are Pamela Croftwarcon, Howard Butler, Kaylene Butler and Liz Mahood.
The Bimblebox Nature Refuge is an 8000 hectare property in Central West Queensland which is currently under threat from coal mining.
Inspired by the unique ark of life found at the Bimblebox Nature Refuge, a group of artists camped on the reserve documenting, drawing and recording in order to capture the environmental, social and scientific significance of this unique landscape. Artists have also drawn inspiration from scientific research and historical texts.
Dr Pamela Croftwarcon, Howard Butler and Kaylene Butler are creative practitioners and collaborators with proud indigenous cultural heritage. Pamela is a senior visual artist, teacher and mentor. Howard is an artist and craftsperson with traditional cultural knowledge. Kaylene works in the film industry and currently runs her own consultancy practice Kima. The three artists collaborated to tell the layered story of the Rainbow Serpent and Mother Earth in relationship to Bimblebox.
Liz Mahood grew up in central Queensland and is passionate about building bridges of understanding between suburban and rural peoples. Her paintings seek to challenge the beliefs that influence perceptions, thoughts and actions.
The local artists will join a diverse selection of artists from other parts of Queensland as well as Tasmania and New South Wales who have works in the exhibition. Works include painting, installation, photography, assemblage, artist books, digital media, soundscape and printmaking.
Chair of Rockhampton Regional Council’s Communities Committee Cr Rose Swadling said that the exhibition was a unique opportunity to bring the environmental concerns of a central Queensland community to a larger audience.
“What a wonderful way for our local artists to be involved in sharing the story of Bimblebox through this thought-provoking exhibition”.
Brisbane-based curator Beth Jackson said: “This exhibition taps into a long tradition of Australian landscape art but for a very specific place and an urgent political moment. It's an inspiring and thought-provoking show.”
The exhibition will tour to 10 venues across Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia. It will be on display at Rockhampton Art Gallery from 29 August to 15 October.
To complement the exhibition a free app has been developed thanks to the Gordon Darling Foundation. This 120-page interactive digital catalogue can be downloaded to iPad from the iTunes store at: http://bit.ly/bimblebox
The exhibition is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body, the Gordon Darling Foundation and proudly sponsored by Artfully, Tangible Media, Planet Boab, Wotif.com, Platypus Graphics, artisan and At A Glance.
Bimblebox: Art – Science – Nature is a touring exhibition partnered by Museums & Galleries Queensland and Redland Art Gallery in association with Bimblebox Nature Refuge.
Rockhampton Art Gallery is owned and operated by Rockhampton Regional Council.