Some of Australia’s most popular – and youngest – artists have teamed up for a major exhibition showcasing the beauty of Victoria Park / Barrambin.
The exhibition at Wentworth Galleries, Queens Wharf, April 19, 10am–4pm has been curated by former Deputy Mayor and artist David Hinchliffe and features internationally- and nationally-known artists such as Herman Pekel, Daniel Butterworth and indigenous artist Reece George.
The exhibition will also include a wall of small framed canvases painted by young people who want to express in paint their feelings about the feared destruction of Victoria Park to build the main Olympic Stadium, the aquatic stadium and an Olympic warmup running track.
“The focus is definitely on the park’s intrinsic beauty,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“For 25 years as a councillor this park was the centre of my electorate. It is unique in so many ways.
“It’s not only its extraordinary trees, some of which are older than Brisbane, its beautiful waterholes and natural contours; it also has a profound connection to the original inhabitants of Brisbane.
“These paintings are being offered to help raise the funds for legal protection of the park in the Federal Court.
“If this development goes ahead, all we may have left of this park are memories, photos and these paintings,” he said.
Mr Hinchliffe’s painting ‘At the Going Down of the Sun’ is an example of the depth of history and connection which the park holds for Brisbane.
“The gumtree I painted is more than 150 years old. It was in the park before Australia became a nation,” he said.
“It was planted in the early days when Queensland was a separate colony of Great Britain.
“American soldiers during World War II slept in tents under its branches when the American army was accommodated temporarily in the park.
“It’s witnessed a lot of history, but it will be coming down in a few months’ time if this stadium is built,” he said.
