Brian Robinson and Tamika Grant-Iramu’s collaborative work ‘Carving Country’ 2019–21 and Teho Ropeyarn’s ‘Athumu paypa adthinhuunamu (my birth certificate’) 2022 were chosen to be supported by the QAGOMA Foundational Appeal 2023 due to their sheer sense of scale and connection to the local Queensland landscape and indigenous histories.
We are thrilled to announce that the appeal was successful in supporting the acquisition of Robinson and Grant-Iramu’s collaborative work, as well as Ropeyarn’s colossal print — which marks Onespace’s highest value acquisition of a singular artwork to date.
Assistant Indigenous curator, Adam Ford states:
“The support of the 2023 Foundation Appeal in bringing these important works into the Collection reflects the commitment the Gallery has made to prioritising the acquisition of works by Queensland Indigenous artists, whose contribution to the arts ecology — not only of Queensland but also across Australia — cannot be overstated. The three works mentioned here are enduring examples of the talent and strong cultural connections artists have and maintain across the state, from Brisbane to the Cape to the Torres Strait.”
Additional to the appeal initiative, major installation Time laps and changes, 2020 by Elisa Jane Carmichael was acquired by QAGOMA.
Curator, Indigenous Australian Art at QAGOMA, Katina Davidson describes the work:
“Time laps and changes (2020) features a glimmering ghost-net encrusted with mullet scales in a talwalpin frame. These works and others have been created using an eclectic mix of natural materials that the artist has meticulously prepared, as well as repurposed marine debris that she has collected during her beachside strolls.”
Images: Teho Ropeyarn, Athumu paypa adthinhuunamu (my birth certificate), 2022. Image: C Callistemon. Courtesy of the artist and QAGOMA.
Brian Robinson and Tamika Grant-Iramu collaboration, Carving Country, 2019–21. Image: C Callistemon. Courtesy of the artist and QAGOMA. Artwork courtesy of the artist, Onespace and Mossenson Galleries.
Elisa Jane Carmichael, Time laps and changes, 2020. Image: Louis Lim. Courtesy of the artist and Onespace.
