1 OCTOBER 2015

QAGOMA SECURES MAJOR MOVING IMAGE WORK

The Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) has announced the acquisition of the striking four-channel video work, in Pursuit of Venus [infected] 2015, following the success of the 2015 QAGOMA Foundation Appeal.

The important work by renowned New Zealand artist Lisa Reihana offers a contemporary, creative response to the popular 19th century panoramic wallpaper, Les Sauvages de la mer Pacifique c.1804, and now, through the generosity of Foundation supporters and the leading contribution of Paul and Susan Taylor, has become part of the Gallery’s permanent Collection.

QAGOMA Foundation President Tim Fairfax AC thanked Gallery benefactors for their generous support.

‘This year marks the first appeal in the history of the QAGOMA Foundation where we have sought to acquire a Pacific artwork, and it is also the first multimedia work we have presented for the Appeal. The overwhelming success of this drive is testament to our donors’ and benefactors’ support for the Gallery’s vision to be the leading institution for contemporary art from Australia, Asia and the Pacific.

‘The Appeal received over 160 donations from members of the Foundation, Gallery Members and the general public. I would like to personally thank every donor who contributed to the success of this year’s Appeal ensuring this important work becomes part of the State Collection,’ he said.

QAGOMA Director Chris Saines CNZM recognised the artist’s longstanding connection to the Gallery, dating back to ‘The 2nd Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art’ in 1996.

‘Lisa Reihana’s photography, film, animation and sound work make her one of the most accomplished multimedia artists of her generation, and place her among the region’s pre-eminent artists.

‘in Pursuit of Venus [infected] could well be Reihana’s most highly developed and resolved work. It manages to be both hauntingly beautiful and endlessly evocative, while at the same moment re-exploring our colonial and post-colonial histories,’ he said.

The immersive 32 minute video work was six years in the making and brings scenes from the original 20-panel wallpaper to life through contemporary performance to restage and reclaim historical stories.

in Pursuit of Venus [infected] will remain on display at the Queensland Art Gallery until early 2016 alongside ‘The 8th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art’ (APT8), opening 21 November 2015.

The Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) Foundation was established in 1979 and is the primary fundraising body of the Gallery. Since its establishment, the QAGOMA Foundation has raised over $100 million, enabling the acquisition of more than forty per cent of the Gallery’s collection. The Foundation provides vital support to the development of the Gallery’s exhibitions and programming.