Art lovers can immerse themselves in the rich Indigenous cultural works on show at the Coast’s latest exhibition.
Featuring many charming pieces acquired by the Sunshine Coast Art Collection, Latest & Greatest II has officially opened at the Caloundra Regional Gallery.
Curator Nina Shadforth said visitors were enjoying the new exhibition’s serene space and marvelling at the collections on display, which included an exciting major highlight.
The show features the “must see” collection of three works by Indigenous artist Joe Alimindjin Rootsey (1918–1963), who was recognised in his time as one of the first contemporary First Nations artists in Queensland.
“These works have been in one family and are beautifully preserved,” Ms Shadforth said.
“There aren’t many Rootsey works in such great condition as watercolours tend to break down over time, so we’re very lucky and this is their first public appearance.
“We accepted the works after the family literally walked into the gallery, knowing we had a collection, told us they had three Joe Rootsey works and asked if we would we like them.
“We nearly fell over with excitement. To have these in the collection is a major coup and I’d encourage everyone to stop and really look at the works, which are stunning.”
Another show highlight is a collaborative ceramic piece, Springbrook, by Errol Barnes and renowned contemporary artist Joe Furlonger, which Ms Shadforth said was valued at about $7000.
“Anyone who’s ever tried wheel throwing will appreciate the size and form of the work. It’s really quite impressive,” she said.
“The potter, Errol, is a regular contributor to a lot of artists’ works. The decoration is by Joe Furlonger, who features strongly in this exhibition.
“This piece is one of our most recent additions to the collection and when it came to us in December 2022, unfortunately it wasn’t in a good state.
“The pot was covered in mould from being in storage in a shed, but thankfully Errol stepped in, re-fired the pot, and returned it to its original state.
Ms Shadforth also shared some rare insights into how a major art exhibition comes together.
She said the tight four-day changeover period between exhibitions was a frenzy of excitement and activity that required all hands on deck.
“Visitors are blissfully unaware, as they should be, of the frenzy that ensued behind closed doors during the changeover,” Ms Shadforth said.
“For this very special exhibition, we had to gather the works from council buildings and libraries – where they may have been on display – and our collection stores, and then create a neutral backdrop to display them.
“The previous exhibition had charcoal walls, so once the works were pulled down, packed and collected, we rolled four coats of paint on the walls to return them to their usual neutral white.
“Some visitors enjoy bursts of colour, others prefer dark and moody works or beautiful landscapes, but I think we can guarantee there’s something for all in this exhibition.”
Latest & Greatest II is on show until March 19 at the Caloundra Regional Gallery, 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra. Entry is free. Opening hours are 10am-4pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am-2pm Saturday and Sunday.
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