First Nations focus for gallery exhibitions

The Clay on country exhibition will showcase the work of 40 ceramic artists from Australia’s central desert region around Alice Springs from Friday, June 7.

Ceramic sculptures, vessels and installations will be displayed alongside paintings and works on paper to depict where the artists live and work.

Artback NT developed the exhibition to coincide with the 16th Australian Ceramics Triennale in Alice Springs in 2022.

The national conference is held every three years to bring together leading practitioners, researchers and enthusiasts in the field of ceramics to explore and exchange ideas and techniques.

Clay on country is now touring throughout Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia until 2026.

It is one of four exhibitions at Logan Art Gallery between Friday, June 7 and Saturday, July 13.

Logan Elders have selected works by local First Nations artists for an annual memorial exhibition to one of the City of Logan’s most renowned artists the late Uncle Reg Knox.

The Aboriginal Elder, who died in 2020, left behind a legacy which included oil paintings, sculptures and drawings as well as murals in many South East Queensland schools promoting reconciliation and unity.

One of Uncle Reg’s works hangs in the Vatican Museums’ art collection in Rome after he was commissioned in 1986 to create  a piece of art as a gift for the late Pope John Paul II on his Papal visit to Australia.

First Nations artist Troy Skeen is branching out this year to mount his own solo exhibition.

Troy is the son of respected Widi, Biri and Kuku Thaypan Elder Uncle Joseph Skeen who is a renowned artist and second-generation Aboriginal artefact maker now in his 80s.

All of Troy’s family – his sisters, brothers and Dad – make a living from their art but most of them had not exhibited their work before the 2022 Logan Art Gallery exhibition The Skeen Mob: Family, Culture, Resilience.

This joint exhibition by the talented family prompted Troy to put together his own exhibition continuing the family tradition of storytelling through art.

The final exhibition of World Environment Day posters features a collection of vibrant artworks designed by young City of Logan artists.

The exhibition recognises World Environment Day held annually each June to highlight environmental issues and encourage positive action globally.

Logan Art Gallery, on the corner of Jacaranda Avenue and Wembley Road, Logan Central, is open Tuesday to Saturday (10am to 5pm). Entry is free.

For more information on the exhibitions, including details of the opening night and artists’ workshops, visit loganarts.com.au