An exhibition that evokes environmental concerns has made its first stop on a national tour in Isaac Regional Council in Queensland.
The Coalface Art Gallery in Moranbah has welcomed the travelling exhibition ‘Wanton, Wild & Unimagined’ by Townsville environmental artist Alison McDonald.
McDonald uses a variety of found plastics to sculpt colourful works that provoke thoughts of consumerism and its impact on the natural world.
“My inspiration is plants, oceans and John Wyndham’s 1951 post-apocalyptic science fiction novel, The Day of the Triffids,” McDonald said.
“Humans have long had a love affair with plastic, believing it to be the answer to our eco-prayers.
“My artworks reuse plastic materials to raise questions about the relationship we have with plastic and its sustainability.”
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said it’s a major coup to have an exhibition of this calibre stop first in Isaac.
“Alison McDonald is an outstanding artist, sharing an important message and we are proud to be hosting her exhibition launch in the
Coalface Art Gallery.”
Curator Ross Searle said McDonald is greatly influenced by her location in the tropical north of Queensland.
“Plastic makes up the majority of marine debris not only seen on northern shorelines but floating in oceans worldwide.
“The work draws attention to cynical and apathetic consumer culture. There is also great humour in the way these playful transformations engage our senses.”
“The highly anticipated exhibition will be shown in 12 galleries throughout Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria,” Dr McBurnie, Director of Umbrella Studio, said.
“It’s bound to fascinate adults and children alike. It invites close encounters with the work, which is kooky, imaginative and, most of all, fun.”
Wanton, Wild & Unimagined is organised by Umbrella Studio contemporary arts, toured by Museums & Galleries Queensland.
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Visions of Australia program; and supported by the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, an initiative of the Australian, state and territory governments.
The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Isaac Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
