Queensland College of Art Griffith University students have taken their place among the State’s finest in the latest exhibition at GOMA Q.
GOMA Q: Contemporary Queensland Art presents original insights into the dynamic character of local art and culture, with more than half of the artists selected being alumni of the QCA.
Fine Art graduate, 25-year-old Monica Rohan, whose work features on the cover of the catalogue and website for the exhibition, says she still can’t believe she has been given an opportunity like this, such a short time after graduation.
“I think the fact that an institution like GOMA is supporting recent graduates is really encouraging for current students and for other young artists because GOMA is recognised internationally, which makes it possible for local artists to interact with the international art scene without having to leave Brisbane,” she says.
In her works, Monica paints exaggerated patterns drawn from textiles and foliage, which she says reflect the subconscious and what it feels like to be overwhelmed.
In GOMA:Q, this work is now shown alongside the work of Julie Fragar and Madeleine Kelly — both of whom taught Monica during her time at the QCA.
Monica alongside her work at GOMA:Q
“The best thing about the QCA is the community it creates — it’s still a huge part of my life, all the friends I made there are artists and we continue to support each other,” she says.
Chris Saines, Director of Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, explains that the exhibition focus on what the experience of being a part of Queensland has really meant to each artist.
“Realised through extensive research and studio visits,GOMA Qcaptures a moment in time from our local art landscape,” he says.
“It is a chance for us to focus our attention on the art being created right across Queensland and refresh our relationships with local artists.”
Work with agency, potency and relevance
Contain by Monica Rohan
In terms of content, he explains what the curators of the show were looking for when selecting artists for inclusion.
“We were looking not for specific media or specific content, as in fact the variety of content in this show is one of its great strengths.”
“Rather we wanted work that had agency, potency and relevance – work that felt very much as if it was responding to now, and that is essentially what we’ve drawn together.”
Derrick Cherrie, Director QCA says it’s fantastic for the College to sit back and realise that over recent years it’s produced so many exceptional artists.
“The QCA has a very rich collection of talented teachers and it draws some of the most talented students, so they come together and form a kind of laboratory of contemporary art practice, which helps them find their own creative direction,” he says.
“To see so many of our alumni in this latest GOMA Q exhibition tells us that we’re doing our job – we’re helping artists find their place in the world.
“So it’s a very proud moment for the QCA.”
Learn more about studying Visual Art at Queensland College of Art Griffith University at Open Day, Sunday 9 August. Presentations, information sessions, demonstrations, studio tours and exhibitions are scheduled throughout the day. Download the Open Day Guide here. Register on the day or online here.
GOMA Q: Contemporary Queensland Art
11 July — 11 October 2015
Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)
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