Truth through art: explore Beneath this Skin, a new exhibition at Queensland State Archives

• Queensland State Archives is hosting a new exhibition, Beneath this Skin with Queensland College of Art and Design, Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art.
• Work from six contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists will be on display.
• The free exhibition is a culmination of history, research, tradition and healing.

Beneath This Skin, an exhibition in partnership with Queensland College of Art and Design, Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art (CAIA) is now open at Queensland State Archives (QSA).

On display until 3 June 2024 Beneath this Skin features artwork that responds to the records and histories found in the collection at QSA as students unpack the theme of identity and what lies beneath the surface of our skin.

Through media such as sculpture, fabric, weaving, ceramics and paint the artworks allow challenging and uncomfortable narratives to be shared and explored. 

Quotes attributable to Minister Leeanne Enoch:

“Beneath this Skin is a powerful culmination of unique stories told through art, history and the records held by Queensland State Archives.

“Aboriginal cultures, country, history and heritage are rich and diverse and bringing those voices into Archives and allowing those perspectives to unpack the records and history held is an incredible opportunity for all of us..

“Art can be a powerful tool to tell uncomfortable truths, share diverse stories and work towards an inclusive Queensland.”

Quotes attributable to Melissa Stannard, Sessional Lecturer, Griffith University:

“These students and artists are able to tell stories with so many different media, about such a variety of topics and it’s all unique and extremely powerful.

"I hope audiences who come and see the show see the importance of being able to access records and information, break it down and have a creative response to it.

“Art and Archives are not a separate thing. History and art go back a long way.”

Further information:

• Beneath this Skin is on now until Monday 3 June at Queensland State Archives, 435 Compton Road, Runcorn.
• The exhibition is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4.30 pm and every second Saturday of the month.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that some of the content may contain the names or recordings of people who have died. Some exhibition content contains terms and attitudes reflective of the period in which the events occurred and may be considered inappropriate today.
• For more information about the exhibition go to: https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/arts/heritage/archives/about-us/news-and-events/beneath-this-skin
• The exhibition features artwork from the following CAIA students:
  • Arabella Walker (Wulli Wulli)
  • Chelsea Carkeet (Wagiman)
  • Desert-Rain Magpie (Noongar)
  • Paula Vi Dover (Kunja)
  • Rachel Bywaters (Gamilaroi)
  • Sarah Zalewski (Migunberri).
• The exhibition is suitable for all ages, with parental guidance recommended for children under 15 years. Bookings for general entry are not required and entry to the exhibition is free.

ENDS

Media contact – Tim Auguston 0427 090 563