Ipswich artists showcased among state’s best
14 January 2021
The artworks of seven Ipswich artists recognised among thirty finalists in the 2020 Queensland Regional Art Awards are currently on show at the Ipswich Art Gallery as part of the Decadence touring exhibition, presented by Flying Arts Alliance.
The featured works from Ipswich artists LeAnne Vincent, Jane du Rand, Donna Davis, Deb Mostert, Grant Quinn, Renee Yates, and Kylie Stevens demonstrate local talent through a variety of mediums including textiles, digital media, painting, photography, and sculpture.
The exhibition showcases the visual responses of artists from across regional, rural and remote Queensland to the theme of ‘Decadence,’ contending with notions of luxury, freedom, happy circumstances and welcome surplus, or the darker side of self-indulgence, wanton excess or wastefulness.
Ipswich artist LeAnne Vincent took out the major $10,000 Art for Life Award and the Spotlight Award for her artwork Flourish which explores the idea that botanic growth is made richer from the decadence of other plants.
Ms Vincent said she is pleased to see her award-winning work on show at the gallery in her hometown before the exhibition leaves to tour regional Queensland in 2021.
“This is a great opportunity for our wider community to be inspired and informed by some of our local emerging and established artists, as well as artists from across regional Queensland,” she said.
2020 was a year like no other and the COVID restrictions had a huge impact on how artists made art.
Ms Vincent work was created using cameraless photography cyanotype contact prints of objects on fabric and paper which she creates in her studio tucked away in the lush garden behind her Ipswich cottage.
"During lockdown I commenced a daily exploration of my backyard ecology; walking laps within my confined space, collecting remnants of flora and fauna, and seeking the unseen,” Ms Vincent said.
“Prompted by this investigative process, I began to re-conceptualise my understanding of decadence, shifting from material luxuries to the abundance of time for slow observation of nature and appreciation of place.
“Influenced by the first known female photographer Anna Atkins, who published a book of algae photograms using the cyanotype process in 1843, I used the same technique to create a visual impression of these ecosystems on fabric.
“The stitching signifies determined walking and the act of mapping while the circles are a recurring motif in my art practice, which here allude to a cyclical abundance."
Flying Arts CEO Kerryanne Farrer said the theme of this year’s took on a new meaning with the coronavirus outbreak.
“When we chose the theme of the 2020 Queensland Regional Art Awards, Decadence was intended to be a double entendre. ‘Decade’ pays homage to the 10-year anniversary of the awards and ‘decadence’ itself is a term often misaligned with the arts,” Ms Farrer said
“We could have never imagined this theme would take on such a pertinent meaning.
“What has resulted is an exhibition which speaks poignantly to the lived experiences of regional and remote Queensland artists in 2020.”
Decadence will be on display at Ipswich Art Gallery until 26 January 2021. For further information click here.
The Ipswich Art Gallery is at d’Arcy Doyle Place on Nicholas Street and entry is free.
The Gallery Shop is open for contactless card transactions from 9.30am to 5pm.
Check the Ipswich Art Gallery website and Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.