Major art acquisition reinforces cultural exchange between Queensland and India

Mumbai: An art installation by one of India’s most renowned artists will soon be on display in Brisbane, reflecting the important cultural exchange between Queensland and India.

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman, on a major trade and investment mission to promote the State, said the acquisition of Atul Dodiya’s, Somersault in Sandalwood Sky 2012, reinforced the valuable relationship between the two regions.

“This acquisition pays testimony to our longstanding cultural engagement with India,” Mr Newman said.

“The Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art has commissioned Mr Dodiya’s major work, which will be displayed as part of the 7th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, being held in Brisbane from December 2012 to April 2013.

“Since 1996, the Queensland Art Gallery has presented the work of 26 leading Indian artists, and this year’s showing was the strongest to date, featuring eight Indian artists and artist groups.”

In November, Queensland hosted a group of India’s finest actors and directors at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, including Manoj Bajpayee Leena Yadav, Manoj Bajpayee, Rajan Khosa and Anurag Kashyap.

“These are a series of important partnerships that continue to enrich our cultural and economic ties, providing myriad new opportunities for our regions,” Mr Newman said.

“I thank the people of India for your interest in Queensland. The best years of Queensland-India relations are ahead of us, and the best opportunities for both India and Queensland exist right now.”

Mr Newman is currently leading a group of 76 senior business representatives on a trade mission to India, promoting Queensland’s resources, agriculture, tourism, construction and education industries.

[ENDS] 30 November, 2012

Media contact: Lee Anderson +61 417 007 570