Metal As Anything: Much-loved printmaker captures the quirky side of life

State Library of Queensland (SLQ) showcases intricate and endearing etchings by leading Australian printmaker, Ron McBurnie, in a 30 year retrospective exhibition.

Misbehaving dogs, ducks in box kites and eccentric toad shooters feature amid a carnival of quirky characters and landscapes in Metal As Anything, curated by Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Townsville, and on display at SLQ from 22 September to 25 November.

State Librarian Janette Wright said Ron McBurnie’s distinctive style and seductively whimsical storytelling has earned him national recognition as a printmaker and artist.

“McBurnie is an iconic Queensland artist,” Ms Wright said. “State Library holds a number of McBurnie’s prints and artists’ books in our Australian Library of Art collection, and we’re delighted to showcase these pieces alongside the stunning material in Metal As Anything.”

“Drawing inspiration from his daily life, McBurnie’s work captures the weird and wonderful moments that illuminate the everyday suburban existence, and the anecdotes that have inspired each piece are often just as enthralling as the artwork itself.
One piece from 1988 called Toad Shooter is based on a Townsville private detective who, after coming home from busy days of insurance fraud and other such draining cases, would sit in his backyard director’s chair with a torch and his .22 rifle popping the toads off as they congregated around his sprinkler. His wife would later collect the carcasses and incinerate them."

McBurnie said his inspiration comes from his everyday experience of the world.

“Someone might tell me a story and then I meet the people involved and the whole thing morphs into an etching. If I hear an idiotic story about a corrupt politician, or I am playing a piece of music that takes me to an extraordinary place, then that is my inspiration. Sometimes ideas and inspiration come from the weirdest of sources,” he said.

As part of the exhibition program, McBurnie will be in Brisbane running a number of art and printmaking workshops, as well as sharing his insight as an artist at free public talks. For program details visit www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on

Metal As Anything: Ron McBurnie is a travelling exhibition developed by Perc Tucker Regional Gallery and toured by Museum and Gallery Services Queensland. This touring project is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, an initiative of the Australian, State and Territory Governments.

Metal As Anything
22 Sep – 25 Nov, 10am-5pm daily | Free entry
Philip Bacon Heritage Gallery, level 4, State Library of Queensland

Media enquiries
Alexia Saeck, SLQ Communications alexia.saeck@slq.qld.gov.au | 07 3840 7784

Remembering the protests of the ‘82 Games

State Library of Queensland is marking the 30th anniversary of the 1982 Commonwealth Games with a social history exhibition of political protest.

Open from 30 September until 19 April, the State of Emergency exhibition will portray a time in Queensland history when Brisbane came alive with political demonstrations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander civil liberties, drawing attention on the world stage.

State Librarian Janette Wright said that after Indigenous activists threatened to interrupt the Commonwealth Games, Queensland’s then Premier, Joh Bjelke-Peterson, declared a ‘State of Emergency’ and proclaimed street marches to be illegal.

“The State of Emergency exhibition shows the heated political climate during this period in our history,” Ms Wright said.

“The lead-up to the Commonwealth Games was marked by condemnation as activists achieved their goal of international headlines to highlight policies of both Queensland and Federal governments.”

“The exhibition comprises original footage, photographs and personal stories from activists at the forefront of this revolutionary movement.”

“Visitors can reflect on the events that took place in Brisbane, the political climate of the time and the history of land rights for Indigenous Australians.”

A program of events will also be held featuring people involved in the 1982 protests.

Sam Cook, founder of the artist management and apparel company KISSmyBLAKarts, columnist for Tracker and founder of Australia’s Blak History Month will host A night by the fire on 6 November.

Tiga Bayles, a social activist and supporter of Aboriginal land rights, will talk about his life, experiences and views about Indigenous politics and protests at Yarnin’ time on 10 October. Descendent of the Wirri clan and the Birri Gubba Nation, Tiga was one of the original Aboriginal Tent Embassy members in 1972 and was involved in the Commonwealth Games protests in 1982.

Uncle Bob Weatherall, a Gumulray elder who works for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action, will host a second Yarnin’ time on 14 November. Uncle Bob had a lead role in establishing the Tent City in Musgrave Park in 1982 when Brisbane hosted the Commonwealth Games.

The Library Café is also hosting BL.INK: black ink, a night of performance each month as Indigenous creators share their stories. This Thursday, 20 September, the topic will be 82: a year of HINDERpendence, voicing the writings of a strong and political Black Australia fighting for equal rights.

Visit slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on for more information.

State of Emergency
Open daily 10am–5pm, 30 Sep 2012 – 19 Apr 2013
kuril dhagun, level 1, State Library of Queensland
Free

Media enquiries: Amanda Edwards, SLQ Communications
07 3842 9803 | amanda.edwards@slq.qld.gov.au

Side projects provide inspiration at State Library

State Library of Queensland’s Asia Pacific Design Library lecture series is taking a look outside the box to see what inspiration sparks when designers look beyond their day jobs.

The free fortnightly talks series, running from 19 September to 28 November, invites a diverse range of design practitioners and creative thinkers to share details of their ‘side projects’ and the influence it has on their day-to-day work.

State Librarian Janette Wright said the series was looking at designers’ passion projects – work done outside of the speakers primary work discipline and taken on for the love of it.

“Last year we invited global design leader Bruce Mau to speak at the annual Nielson Design Lecture, and one of his philosophies is that ‘it’s not about the world of design, it is about the design of the world’,” Ms Wright said.

“Bruce has a reputation for interdisciplinary and purpose-driven design innovation, and believes the power of design is boundless and has the capacity to bring positive change on a global scale."

Through the APDL lecture series, we are building on this trajectory by exploring the influence of projects, done by designers to fuel their creativity, driven by passion.

Some of the today’s top technology companies, like Google, offer employees a significant percent of their paid work time to create ideas un-related to their usual work. This freedom has resulted in the creation of some of the company’s best-selling products.

South African Architect Peter Rich (speaking on 3 October) researches social issues and construction technology as a side project to his architecture practice in South Africa; and renowned local Architect Timothy Hill (speaking on 17 October) designs furniture outside of his primary practice work at Donovan Hill architecture.

Through a Q&A discussion, facilitated by Shane Thompson, the 2012 Queensland Smart Design Fellow, we ask how these extra-curricular activities transfer across disciplines, and how they enrich all sides of life – both work and play,” said Ms Wright.

The audience will also have the opportunity to network with speakers and other design-minded guests at a post-talk function.

The APDL lecture series is supported by Arts Queensland in the Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts and proudly endorsed by QUEENSLANDERSIGNTM, an initiative of the Queensland Design Council.

What     APDL lecture series: side project
When    Every Wed fortnight, 19 Sep – 28 Nov, 6pm
Where   State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, South Bank
Tickets   Free talk (optional networking event, tickets $15, incl refreshments)
Bookings slq.eventbrite.com 3840 7768

Winner announced for the 2012 State Library Young Writers Award

Rebecca Jessen has been awarded the prestigious State Library of Queensland Young Writers Award 2012 for her short story Gap, announced State Librarian Janette Wright today.

“As we celebrate the National Year of Reading, the Young Writers Award is one of Queensland’s premier opportunities to nurture and showcase young writers,” Ms Wright said.

“Alongside State Library’s black&write! Indigenous Writing and Editing program, the awards are key initiatives supporting Queensland’s writing talent,” she said.

Ms Jessen, 24, who recently graduated from Queensland University of Technology, was thrilled with the result after deciding to take a chance and enter.

“Winning has given me an incredible sense of validation as a writer”, said Ms Jessen.

“It lets me know I’m on the right track with my writing, and gives me the confidence to continue putting my writing out there."

“It took me a long time to gain enough confidence in myself as a writer to submit my work anywhere,” she said. “Fear of rejection is always very real but the feeling of satisfaction and knowing that someone read and enjoyed your writing far outweighs those initial negative feelings.”

Judge Sue Gough said the panel was impressed by Rebecca’s beautifully crafted story that illustrated the emotional impact of spare prose.

“The word 'original' is overused but it applies big-time to Gap,” Ms Gough said.

“Written in a series of short, poetic bursts, it echoes the rhythms of someone panting out their story as they run from the scene of a crime. This is a writer who knows how to engage the reader in a kind of a dance, giving just enough information for the reader, not just to pick up and follow the steps, but to also extrapolate."

“The concise, crystallised snapshots of the fugitive's life are there for the reader to build on. By the end of the story we understand exactly what has moulded and motivated the protagonist, and the real tragedy of the epiphany,” Ms Gough said.

The 2012 Young Writers Award Runner Up was given to Shastra Deo (Carseldine) for her story The Minutes Turn to Ours, a gently enigmatic story about the strong connection between two young men.

Highly-commended entries were Ashley Bell (Chinchilla) for New Eucalyptus Leaves, Erin Brumpton (Roma) for Towers of Babylon, James Kakanis (Gumdale) for State of Excitement, and Deanna Antoniolli (Graceville) for Heart is Where the Home is.

The Young Writers Award is open to Queensland residents aged between 18 and 25 years. Read the winning stories online at www.slq.qld.gov.au/youngwriters

Award recipients are available for interview upon request.

Media enquiries: Alexia Saeck, SLQ Communications
07 3840 7784 | alexia.saeck@slq.qld.gov.au

Transforming the legacy of Tindale

Powerful portraits by Queensland artist Vernon Ah Kee capture the people behind the work of anthropologist Norman Tindale in a new exhibition at the State Library of Queensland.

State Librarian Janette Wright said Transforming Tindale [6 September – 9 December] combines Vernon Ah Kee’s work with photographs collected by Norman Tindale in the 1930s.

“Vernon Ah Kee has created evocative artworks to capture the unique personalities of his family members behind the scientific images,” Ms Wright said.

“Norman Tindale recorded vast amounts of genealogical information about Indigenous communities from all over Australia with more than 50 000 Indigenous people included in the genealogies, as well as thousands of named photographic portraits."

“This collection, held by the South Australian Museum, can be accessed through the State Library of Queensland through an online index and is an important resource in family history searches."

“However, it is also a source of contention surrounding the treatment of Aboriginal Australians,” Ms Wright said.

“The exhibition will contain large-scale photographs from the Tindale collection as well as Vernon’s sketch-based contemporary artworks."

“Vernon Ah Kee’s artworks create new meaning, transforming understanding of the treatment of Aboriginal people."

“The result is a stimulating journey into the collection, what it means to Aboriginal people and its place in our state’s history.”

A program of events will also be held during the exhibition including talks presented with Brisbane Writers Festival.

Visit slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on for more information about the Tindale collection, the full Transforming Tindale program of events and details about the exhibition, including learning notes for educators.

Transforming Tindale
Open daily 10am–5pm, 6 Sep – 9 Dec 2012
SLQ Gallery, level 2, State Library of Queensland
Free

Media enquiries: Amanda Edwards, SLQ Communications
07 3842 9803 | amanda.edwards@slq.qld.gov.au

Queensland’s top slam poets compete at State Library

Queensland’s hottest Slam poets will throw down their words at State Library of Queensland for the Australian Poetry Slam State Final on Friday 7 September.
After months of slam heats across the state, 18 finalists have been called on to battle it out for the Queensland Slam Championship, and a chance to compete with the best of the best at the national final in Sydney.

Finalists have been mustered from heats in Brisbane, Stanthorpe, Blackall, Mackay, Townsville, Logan, Cairns and Moreton Bay.

Poetry Slams are explosive live events where contestants have two minutes at the microphone to woo the audience with their verbal panache.

"State Library works with local public libraries and award-winning Slam poets to give communities a chance to engage in this unique fusion of spoken word performances and poetry," said State Librarian Janette Wright.

“As we celebrate National Year of Reading, it’s fantastic to see so many people from all walks of life embrace this unique form of self-expression,” Ms Wright said.

“Performers range from freestyle rappers to bush poets, cabaret singers, thespians, storytellers, beatboxers and first-time slammers,” said Ms Wright.

The evening will also feature guest performances by Mackay singer-songwriter Courtney Young and internationally renowned US Def Poet Mark Gonzales.

Gonzales brings to the stage a unique bridging of page, stage and social media with narrative to advance creativity and human rights.

Gonzales has had invitations to perform and speak at the first Middle East TED talks, the United Nations tribunal on social exclusion, the Institute for European Ethnology at Humboldt University in Germany, and Syria where he was the first US born writer of the hip hop generation to be invited to speak.

His methodology operates with the idea that collective dreams lay the foundation for a new form of tribe, and the scope of his work is testament to the global impact that can be achieved through the arts and spoken word.

For more details visit slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on

When:    Fri 7 Sep, 7pm
Where:   State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, South Bank
Tickets:  $17, bookings slq.eventbrite.com 3840 7768

Photos and interviews available on request.

Media enquiries
Alexia Saeck, SLQ Communications
alexia.saeck@slq.qld.gov | 3840 7784

Reading love fest in Brisbane

Readers don’t have to wait for Brisbane Writers Festival to enjoy their love of books.

State Library of Queensland is starting the celebrations early with loads of events and activities for readers of all ages.

State Librarian Janette Wright said this week (19 – 25 August) is the perfect time for readers to indulge in the written word.

Along with National Year of Reading and the lead-up to the Brisbane Writers Festival (5 – 9 September), Ms Wright said State Library’s The Library Shop will have the Books From Our Backyard catalogue, produced by Queensland Writers Centre, a collection of books published by Queensland authors in 2011 from 21 August.

“State Library will also have the Books From Our Backyard on display on level 2 in its Reference Library for visitors to browse,” Ms Wright said.

Another National Year of Reading event at State Library will be The Reading Hour: Love, lust & loathing on Saturday 25 August.

“The Reading Hour is an important initiative on the National Year of Reading calendar,” Ms Wright said.

“It’s all about encouraging everyone to read for at least one hour per week."

“Whether it is sharing a book with your child for 10 minutes per day, reading a book on your lunch break, starting a book club with friends or incorporating a reading hour in the school week, reading is a simple, enjoyable and highly beneficial thing to introduce into your routine,” Ms Wright said.

“State Library’s Reading Hour event will see Brisbane’s most amorous authors sharing their tales of love gained, love lost and those you love to hate."

“Sue McPherson, State Library’s kuril dhagun Indigenous Writing Fellowship 2011 winner, will be joined by fellow writers Krissy Kneen, Dr Venero Armanno and Phoebe Hart as they warm up the winter night with intimate readings and discussion.”

State Library will be raising funds for the Indigenous Literature Foundation via a gold coin donation at the door and an auction to win a “date” with author Anita Heiss.

Earlier in the day on Saturday 25 August, children and families are invited to A reading celebration!

“Kids can come along and join in free arts-based activities, bookmaking, storytelling and music to celebrate Children’s Book Week (18 – 24 August),” Ms Wright said.

A reading celebration! is presented by State Library and The Children’s Book Council of Australia (Qld Branch).

Visit slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on to find out more about State Library events or love2read.org.au for more information about the National Year of Reading.

The Reading Hour: Love, lust & loathing
Sat 25 Aug, 7.30pm–9pm
The Red Box, level 2, State Library of Queensland
Free, bookings slq.eventbrite.com

A reading celebration!
Sat 25 Aug, 10am–2pm
Knowledge Walk, level 1, State Library of Queensland
Free

The Library Shop
Open Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat & Sun 9.30am–5pm

Media enquiries: Amanda Edwards, SLQ Communications
07 3842 9803 | amanda.edwards@slq.qld.gov.au

Celebrating the power of black writing

State Library of Queensland is celebrating Indigenous writers from Australia and around the globe in a new monthly performance series.

BL.INK: black ink, hosted by Brisbane artist Steven Oliver, takes audiences on an exploration of black words – introducing well known, emerging and sometimes anonymous Indigenous writers using the power of the pen to influence and inspire.

SLQ’s kuril dhagun Program Coordinator, Nadine McDonald-Dowd, said Indigenous creators will share their stories, new works and dealings of blackness in a deadly night of black ink at The Library Café.

The next BL.INK event – first and foremost – on Thursday 16 August, will feature the works of Maori poet Hone Tuawhane, Canadian writer Drew Hayden Taylor, Papua New Guinean poet Jeffrey Fiey and Native American performer songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie.

Works from other first nations writers living in Australia will also feature, including Arigon Starr (USA), Hone Kouka (NZ), Albert Bellz (NZ) and Louyaya Toni (PNG).

"Selected writers are the storytellers of their country and their works tell tales of passion, hate, survival and honor,” Nadine said.

“There may be oceans between us as nations but our similarities can be heard in every word. “This BL.INK event is a night not to miss, with performances from local Indigenous artists Yvette Walker, Kaylah Tyson and Barbara Baugh.”

BL.INK: black ink events will be held on the third Thursday of each month until Christmas at The Library Café at SLQ. Entry is free. For details visit slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on or phone 3842 9061.

BL.INK: black ink
Thursday 16 August, 6.30pm
The Library Cafe, level 1
State Library of Queensland
Free

For images and interviews, contact: Mel Geltch, SLQ Communications
07 3842 9832 | mel.geltch@slq.qld.gov.au