Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Painting & Photography
Queensland's art scene was slow to emerge, with paintings by early settlers first appearing
in the second half of the 19th century. In the 20th century a few seminal figures helped put
Queensland on the map.
Ian Fairweather (1891-1974) is described by some critics and fellow artists as Aus-
tralia's greatest painter. He used muted colours and shied away from typical Australian
themes (such as gum trees, and pastoral and rugged landscapes), instead incorporating Asi-
an elements (gouaches of villages and market scenes), influenced by his years living in Ch-
ina from 1930 to 1933. An enigmatic figure, he spent the last years of his life as a recluse
on Bribie Island.
The long-lived Lloyd Rees (1895-1988) has an impressive body of work and is one of
Queensland's best-known artists of the 20th century. A master of light and texture, he was
obsessed with capturing a spiritual element in the landscapes he painted. He was born in
Brisbane and painted right up until his death in Hobart in 1988.
One of Queensland's most successful living artists is William Robinson (b 1936). He has
worked in a variety of styles and completed some of his most successful work after moving
from Brisbane to a large property in the Gold Coast hinterland. His paintings capture the
magical quality of the rainforest and the awe-inspiring power of the mountains near Spring-
brook. His work is on display in Brisbane's Old Government House.
Brisbane-based Richard Bell (b 1953) is an Aboriginal artist who creates provocative
works that touch on politics, religion and Aboriginal relations (words over one controversi-
al but prize-winning piece read, 'Aboriginal art - it's a white thing'). He also explores
black-white relations in large Lichtenstein-like cartoon tableaus.
Tracey Moffatt (b 1960), who also hails from Brisbane, blends cinema, photography and
visual arts in carefully constructed 'film stills' with underlying themes of poverty and viol-
ence. Her work hangs in galleries all over the world and she has been described as one of
Australia's '50 most collectable artists'.
For a first-hand look at some of the best contemporary painting and photography being
produced in Queensland, swing by Brisbane's deliciously subversive Institute of Modern
near South Bank.
