Local exhibition showcases Australian artist Bill Yaxley’s time on Lamb Island
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An exhibition capturing well-known Australian artist Bill Yaxley’s life on Lamb Island (Ngudooroo) on Redlands Coast is on display at the Redland Art Gallery (RAG) Cleveland until Sunday 5 December 2021.
The Bill Yaxley: Lamb Island exhibition explores the artist’s time living on the island through engaging storytelling and vibrant paintings.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council was excited to present the artworks that chronicle painter and sculpture Bill Yaxley’s experiences on Redlands Coast.
“Lamb Island is part of a cluster of islands situated in Moreton Bay and Bill’s artwork is a colourful and distinctive poetic acknowledgement of the island’s flora and fauna and its coastal surrounding,” Cr Williams said.
“His artwork is full of colour, texture and humour, illustrating his life on Quandamooka country.
“If you haven’t already visited the exhibition, I encourage you to do so.
“Council’s support for RAG helps ensure the Gallery will continue its legacy of celebrating Australian artists and sharing works that tell their stories.”
Bill Yaxley, Backyard Lamb Island 2018, oil on canvas. Redland Art Gallery Collection. Acquired in 2019 with Redland Art Gallery Acquisition Funds. Courtesy of the artist. Photography by Carl Warner.
Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards, whose division includes Lamb Island, said Bill Yaxley’s artworks as well as his stories about his work and inspirations would be of interest to many island residents as well as the rest of Redlands Coast and beyond.
“It is wonderful to have an artist the calibre of Bill depict island life, with many paintings being familiar sites to locals,” Cr Edwards said.
“With the exhibition curated by Council’s gallery team and presented in partnership with Bill Yaxley’s dealer, Bruce Heiser Projects of Brisbane, Council was also able to commission a film by Nikki Michail to support the display,” Mr Edwards said.
“The film can be accessed via RAG’s website at art.gallery.redland.qld.gov.au and captures Bill and Bruce Heiser discussing the artist’s inspirations, artistic approach and daily life on the island, while showcasing selected pieces from his exhibition.”
Bill Yaxley lives near Rockhampton and continues to tell past and current stories through paintings and sculptures.
The Bill Yaxley: Lamb Island collection was acquired with Redland Art Gallery Acquisition Funds.