The Ekka may be over for the year, but SLQ continues to celebrate the institution that is the Royal Queensland Show through a pop-up exhibition in our South Bank building throughout August.
With a new selection on display each Monday, the exhibition features beautiful sketches by nationally and internationally renowned Queensland artist William Robinson AO, as part of his Ekka Series. With the support of the Partners of State Library of Queensland through the Queensland Library Foundation, this collection of twenty drawings was acquired by the John Oxley Library in 2009 to mark its milestone 75th anniversary.
William Robinson's Ekka Series on display.
This series was acquired for the collection as it depicts an important Queensland event, the Exhibition, affectionately known by Queenslanders as the ‘Ekka’. The artist drew these sketches while observing the 2007 Ekka; humour and humanity shine through.
The drawings record and interpret the experience of the Ekka with warmth and wit, capturing both individual stories and the frenetic atmosphere of the show. As an artist, Robinson often records his observations as pencil sketches which later inform his paintings.
Part of the Ekka Series, William Robinson, John Oxley Library, SLQ.
These artworks complement the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association Records held within the John Oxley Library. This collection, consisting of letter books, minutes and exhibition catalogues dating from the earliest exhibition held, provides significant research value as well as ideal contextual background to the highly visual William Robinson works.
Visit SLQ before the end of the month to view these beautiful artworks of an iconic Queensland event. You can also explore more SLQ collection items on the Ekka in our online showcase.
Naomi Takeifanga
Signature Program, State Library of Queensland
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