International art exhibition lauds Queensland’s William Robinson

World-renowned Queensland artist William Robinson will be taking over the Australian Embassy in Paris for eight weeks from 25 January.

Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government-supported exhibition William Robinson: Genesis is heading to Paris following its successful two-month run in Washington DC.

“The exhibition includes some of the stunning depictions of Queensland’s magnificent natural environment that William Robinson is renowned for, as well as self-portraits and pieces that give affectionate insights into his family hobby farm,” Ms Enoch said.

“In addition to showcasing a fascinating Australian artist, the exhibition also provides international audiences with an appreciation of Queensland’s beautiful scenery and aspects of rural lifestyles.

“I understand the exhibition was very successful at the Australian Embassy in Washington, enjoyed by more than 2300 visitors, and it’s expected to delight thousands of Parisians when it opens later this week.”

The Palaszczuk Government provided funding to Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to support the international tour of 42 William Robinson works, including paintings, sketches and lithographs.

The exhibition originates from QUT’s William Robinson Gallery, which was established in 2009 and has an annual program of exhibitions, educational and public programs dedicated to exploring his work.

“William Robinson is a true homegrown talent who taught and lectured in art right here in Brisbane, and has received global recognition for his original and distinctive style,” Ms Enoch said.

“His contribution to the international profile of Queensland and to nurturing artists is to be commended.”

Professor Susan Street, executive director of QUT Precincts, said William Robinson travelled to Paris five times between 1996 and 2006, working with master printmaker Franck Bordas to produce lithographs inspired by Australia and Paris, some of which are represented in the exhibition.

“The full catalogue of Robinson’s French lithographic work is held in the Bibliotheque national de France, so the important connection this Australian artist has with this city will remain in perpetuity.

“Queensland Government support of this important international touring exhibition of William Robinson’s work has enabled QUT to celebrate a wonderful Queensland artist on an international stage,” Professor Street said.

William Robinson is perhaps best known as a two-time winner of both the prestigious Archibald Prize for portraiture (1987 and 1995) and its sister event, the Wynne Prize for landscapes (1990 and 1996). The Brisbane-born artist gained recognition during the 1980s for his works and distinctive use of multi-dimensional perspective.

Many of his landscape paintings are recognised as some of the most significant produced in Australian art in the past 40 years. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2007 for his outstanding achievement and service to the arts.

The William Robinson Gallery is located in Old Government House at QUT’s Gardens Point campus in Brisbane’s CBD. More information can be found at ogh.qut.edu.au/wrgallery.

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MEDIA: Ben Doyle 0437 859 987