Gallery exhibitions explore precious flora and fauna

Redland Art Gallery (RAG) welcomes two new exhibitions in August, spotlighting the threats that endangered species and native vegetation face in south-east Queensland and beyond.

Redland City Council Mayor Jos Mitchell said Redlands Coast was abundant with native wildlife and stunning plant life that often captured the eye of artists.

“These upcoming exhibitions showcase the beauty of nature from many perspectives, not just those of the artists, but also the varying impacts human life has had on our natural areas across the state,” she said.

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Carbon_Dating is a collection from artists across Queensland who worked with scientists, growers, First Nations advisors and regional venues to plant, grow, observe and engage with various species of native grass.

The exhibition at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland, from Sunday 11 August reflects the experiences of commissioned artists as they journeyed with six field teams from Cairns to Miles to the Gold Coast and created artworks responding to their very different observations.

The result aims to generate interest in Australia’s often endangered native grasses and reminds us that restoring the health of our environment requires looking beyond the “charismatic species” that so often steal our attention.

Co-Curator Beth Jackson said Australian grasslands survive in remnant patches and are now often overlooked, misunderstood and increasingly endangered.

“These small projects and this exhibition seek to appreciate our native grasses with fresh and intimate eyes. Visitors are invited to go on a ‘carbon date’, be open and curious to these humble and delightful life forms and become part of a growing community of care,” she said.

Also opening at RAG, Redland Performing Arts Centre Mezzanine on Wednesday 14 August, Apprehendsion is an exhibition by Leigh Schoenheimer featuring recent multi-panelled paintings inspired by her research into flora and fauna of south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales.

The exhibition includes complementary selections from two series of artworks focused on vulnerable and endangered species, and the effects of invasive plant species on native ecosystems. Together these works highlight the complex relationship humans have with nature, questioning beauty, human impact and environmental responsibility.

The Mayor said she hoped Redlands Coast residents would take the opportunity to enjoy the exhibitions which are open through to October.

For full details of these exhibitions, or to register for the accompanying events, floor talks and workshops, visit artgallery.redland.qld.gov.au

Key dates:

Carbon_Dating