Media Statements

Three Queensland artists will have their work included in the seventh Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT7) at the Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art in December.

Arts Minister Ros Bates today announced that 77 artists and artists groups from 27 countries would feature in APT7.

“Of the seven Australians, new work from three Queensland Indigenous artists – Michael Cook, Daniel Boyd and Shirley Macnamara - will feature in APT7,” Ms Bates said.

“These are highly regarded artists who will certainly be in good company at APT7, which is the only recurring art exhibition focusing on contemporary art from Asia, the Pacific and Australia.”

Ms Bates said highlights included a focus on artists from West Asia, including Egypt, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Syria and Jordan; works by new young artists from Indonesian and Vietnam; and the most significant representation yet of contemporary work from PNG.

“Since the first APT in 1993, the Gallery’s flagship contemporary art event has attracted over 1.8 million visitors,” Ms Bates said.

“Exhibitions like this contribute to the Queensland Government’s commitment to enhance Brisbane’s growing reputation as a destination to experience exciting and innovative arts experiences.

“They also have a positive impact on other local business operators and attractions, as well as provide opportunities for our artists - all three of the Queensland artists are included in the 2012 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair exhibition Where the art leads: new explorations by Queensland Indigenous artists which opens at Cairns Regional Gallery on 17 August.”

APT7, Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art, December 8, 2012-April 14, 2013. For more information on the exhibition and artists visit www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/apt7

[ENDS] 3 August 2012

Media Contact: Ken Vernon: 0431 027 017