California design on show ahead of Brisbane exclusive

Arts Minister Ian Walker today visited the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) to meet with the curators of the touring exhibition California Design 1930–1965: Living in a Modern Way, which will be on show at Queensland Art Gallery later this year.

In the United States for the BIO International Convention, Mr Walker toured LACMA with Wendy Kaplan and Bobbye Tigerman, curators of California Design which will show exclusively in Australia at the Queensland Art Gallery, 2 November 2013 - 9 February 2014.

“This exhibition is the first major study of California mid-century modern design, and is the first show from LACMA to visit Brisbane,” Mr Walker said.

“The exhibition will include iconic designs such as the innovative furniture of Charles and Ray Eames, a 1936 Airstream trailer, the original Barbie doll and the classic symbol of the casual lifestyle - Levi’s 501 Jeans.”

Touring LACMA to view some of their decorative arts and design collection, Mr Walker said the Newman Government was pleased to support this significant exhibition from the largest art museum in the western United States.

“There are more than 250 objects coming to Brisbane, including furniture, ceramics, metalwork, fashion and textiles, and industrial and graphic design.

“This exhibition looks at California’s role in shaping the material culture of not just the United States, but the entire world.

“We expect it will be a major drawcard for cultural tourists from across Australia and the Asia Pacific region, supporting the Newman Government’s commitment to growing tourism as part of strengthening the four pillar economy.”

California Design 1930–1965: Living in a Modern Way will be a ticketed exhibition. For more information visit www.qagoma.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 26 April 2013

Media Contact: Casie Scott           0432 453 225