Earth Matters: Rocks in Contemporary Art

Curated by Molly Werner, University of Queensland PhD Candidate, supervised by Dr Amelia Barikin and Dr Paolo Magagnoli.

Grounded in the experience of being in the landscape, Earth Matters: Rocks in Contemporary Art presents sculpture, ceramics, painting and video that feature rock material from specific sites in Australia.

From Minjerribah’s oyster-encrusted rocks to the Pilbara region’s iron-rich red monoliths, the exhibition looks at how contemporary artists use materials to critically evaluate our relationship to the land.

Set against the backdrop of Australia’s extractive economy, Earth Matters reflects on the discourse surrounding land-use, mining, and ongoing colonisation of Indigenous Country. Through these works, the exhibition asks: what power dynamics shape our relationship to the land, and what is our relationship to its material?

Artists include:

• Robert Andrew (Yaruwu people)
• Megan Cope (Quandamooka people)
• Kia Dowell (Gija people)
• Nicholas Mangan (VIC)
• Gabriel Nodea (Gija people)
• Perdita Phillips (WA)
• Stewart Scambler (WA)

EXHIBITION LAUNCH EVENT

Saturday, 14 November • Doors open from 5pm

This November, BRAG welcomes four new exhibitions, and everyone is invited to the opening night. Enjoy an evening celebrating Admired Objects: Acquired Subjects, Prestige Bricks, Searching for Belvedere, and Earth Matters: Rocks in Contemporary Art.

Get a first look at all four shows, meet the artists, and enjoy an evening of conversation and connection with local food, drinks and music. Entry is free; RSVPs are essential. Visit the event page to secure your free tickets.

CURATOR TALK

Sunday, 15 November • 11am - 12pm • Free

Join curator Molly Werner for a walk-through event of Earth Matters: Rocks in Contemporary Art.

In this relaxed curator talk, Molly will talk to the exhibition's curatorial frameworks, explain why the artworks were chosen, and give insight into her research on artists using rocks and sand.

Whether you're a regular gallery-goer or just curious about the curatorial process, this event offers a rare opportunity to step inside the world behind the work. This event is free; however places are limited. Visit the event page to RSVP.

This exhibition is supported by the University of Queensland. 

Artwork loans with thanks to the artists, Andy and Eva Quilty, Milani Gallery, the University of Western Australia and Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery, the Wesfarmers Collection of Australian Art, and the Janet Holmes à Court Collection.

_{Image: Nicholas Mangan, Matter over Mined, 2012, C-type print, 69×103 cm. Courtesy of the artist, Sutton Gallery Australia, and LABOR Mexico.}