State Library of Queensland

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Join us for a conversation with celebrated artist Lindy Lee AO, one of Australia’s most influential and respected contemporary artists.With a practice spanning over 40 years, grounded in her Chinese heritage and shaped by Taoist and Buddhist philosophy, Lee translates these concepts into striking, meditative forms that often engage with light, fire and elemental processes. Her work, drawing on themes of identity, ancestry and cosmology, explores the interconnectedness of all things.Lee rose to national prominence with Moon in a Dew Drop at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia in 2020, one of its most visited exhibitions. Her major survey Myriad Stars Between Myriad Worlds is currently touring across China. In 2024, Lee was commissioned by the National Gallery of Australia to produce her most ambitious work to date: the immersive sculpture Ouroboros, a 13-tonne work evocative of a snake eating its own tail, symbolising cycles of birth, death and renewal.In 2024, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for her significant contribution to contemporary art and cultural leadership.In conversation with Sally Brand, Curatorial Manager of Australian Art at QAGOMA, this event will explore Lee’s evolving practice, the development of her large-scale public works, and the ideas that continue to shape her artistic vision.About Portrait of an artistThis event is part of Portrait of an artist, a series showcasing the James C Sourris AM collection of artist interviews held at State Library. Audiences will experience a screening of Lindy Lee’s interview, followed by an in-conversation and Q&A session.Generously supported by James C Sourris AM through the Queensland Library Foundation.Image: Lindy Lee, date unknown, photographed by Elise Derwin. Image courtesy of Sullivan+Strumpf.

The Explainer Series is about exploring the questions we’re all asking.The FIFA World Cup is more than just soccer. It’s heartbreak in extra time, group chats going off at 3am, impossible national pride, controversial calls, and suddenly caring deeply about countries you’ve never thought about before. Every four years, billions of people get completely swept up in the drama, whether they know the offside rule or not.Hosted by comedian and certified Matildas superfan Mel Buttle, with guest speaker Dr Lee McGowan, event in The Explainer Series dives into why the World Cup captures the world’s attention like nothing else. From iconic moments and football fever to the politics, money and power behind the tournament, we’ll unpack what makes the World Cup such a global obsession.Whether you’re a lifelong football tragic, or a casual bandwagon supporter, this conversation will help make sense of the world’s biggest sporting spectacle.Meet Your SpeakersDr Lee McGowan is a leading expert in football's histories. He writes about football because he was at best what would be described as an enthusiastic player; he’s just as successful at surfing. At our upcoming Explainer Series event, he's most excited to break down the social development of the FIFA Men’s World Cup. Mel Buttle Fearless, funny, and refreshingly frank, Mel Buttle is a superstar of Australian comedy who makes being hilarious look effortless. She's the genius creator behind Australia's favourite online mum character 'Lyn', an award-winning stand-up comedian, a popular television and radio presenter, and the self-declared number one fan of the Matildas.The Explainer SeriesThe Explainer Series is a space for thoughtful conversations with people who really know their stuff, sharing insights and context so we can better navigate the big and small questions in our lives.From international law and cryptocurrency to climate change, gut health and space junk, these talks bring ideas, trends and debates into focus, helping us form our own understanding, guided by curiosity and expertise.There’s no spin and no hype, just experts helping us think more clearly about the world around us.The Explainer Series is generously supported by Gina Fairfax AC and Tim Fairfax AC through the Queensland Library Foundation.Subscribe to be the first to know about our future events.Please consult our conditions of entry before making your booking.We respect your privacy. Personal information we collect is used only for our internal activities and functions (Libraries Act 1988 (Qld)) and will not be disclosed unless required by law. For more information, please read State Library's privacy statement.The views expressed by the speakers are their own and the promotion of products/services is not endorsed by State Library.

This year, Yuuingan Dhilla Yari returns as a Forum with the theme Create to Connect: First Languages in Action, highlighting the many ways Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages are being strengthened, shared and celebrated through community, creativity, education and cultural practice. Bringing together language practitioners, creatives, educators, researchers, organisations and community members, the one-day forum will explore how First Languages are being activated through community initiatives, education, digital storytelling, contemporary media and public programs. Guided by MC Scott Wilson, the day will centre conversation, connection and knowledge sharing, featuring a keynote presentation followed by a facilitated panel conversation. The afternoon program will then open into a community yarning space designed for networking and exchange with practitioners, organisations and fellow attendees, including community exchange tables, Creative Residency spotlights and curator tours of Through Mununjali Eyes in kuril dhagun. Keynote Speakers We’re pleased to welcome a keynote from Common Ground, co-presented by CEO Gemma Pol and Vanessa Morris. Common Ground is a First Nations-led not-for-profit organisation that uses storytelling, education and advocacy to amplify First Nations voices, strengthen pathways for storytellers, and build greater understanding and accountability across systems such as schools, media and public life. Grounded in truth-telling, reciprocity and justice, Common Ground works with communities to share knowledge in ways that support connection, challenge dominant narratives and imagine stronger futures. Following the morning program, the afternoon will open into a more informal community yarning space for networking, exchange and connection. The afternoon will include opportunities to: Visit community exchange tables with practitioners and organisations working across language, education, collections, cultural heritage and creative practice Learn about resources, programs and pathways that support First Languages work Take part in curator tours of Through Mununjali Eyes in kuril dhagun Hear from Creative Residents through spotlights featuring First Nations artists and language-led creative projects Whether you are already deeply involved in language work or just starting to explore what is possible for your community, this year’s forum will offer space to listen, learn, connect and be inspired. Learn more about the forum.