Lure Of The Sun: Charles Blackman In Qld

Lure of the Sun: Blackman in Queensland explores Brisbane’s influence on the work of one of Australia’s most important artists, Charles Blackman, at QAG.

Featuring more than 50 paintings and works on paper derived from over 12 private and state collections, the exhibition reveals the amazing story of his development into one of the country’s most revered artists while looking at the friendships and connections made during Blackman’s time in Queensland.

Upon his first venture into Queensland in the late 1940s, Blackman was welcomed into the creative fray by prominent artist Laurence Hope and his future wife Barbara Patterson along with a few notable friends.

Whilst in Brisbane the self-taught artist developed an interest in the early works of Sidney Nolan and it is this influence that is evident in works such as City Lights (1952) from the Queensland Art Gallery Collection.

The friendships and connections that he made in Queensland also greatly influenced his creative oeuvre and the work that perhaps most encapsulates this is The Family (1955), a painting of acclaimed poet Judith Wright, philosopher Jack McKinney and daughter Meredith at a picnic near Cedar Falls at Mt Tamborine.

Other significant Brisbane-inspired works come from 3 of his famous series from the era – ‘Schoolgirl’, ‘Alice’ and ‘Faces and Flowers’ and these will be on display along with works from fellow artists Laurence Hope, Jon Molvig and Laurence Collinson.

Need to know - In a special event to mark the opening of Lure of the Sun, one of the subjects of The Picnic, Meredith McKinney, will be joining the exhibition curator Michael Hawker to discuss Brisbane’s art and literary circles in the 1950s and 60s. November 7th 1pm (QAG Lecture Theatre)

Nice to know - Accompanying the exhibition is a richly illustrated catalogue featuring essays by Michael Hawker, QAGOMA Conservator of Paintings Anne Carter and Michele Helmrich, Associate Director (Curatorial), University of Queensland Art Museum. The publication explores Blackman’s years in Queensland, focusing on the artist’s creative friendships and reveals the findings of recent research into Blackman’s materials and techniques. $39.95 and available at the QAGOMA Store and online