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Hidden treasure unpacked at USC
1 May, 2005
MCA Unpacked II is an exciting exhibition of art works from the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), Sydney and the latest exhibition at the University of the Sunshine Coast Art Gallery.
Two artists, Victorian sculptor Bruce Armstrong and West Australian based Indigenous artist Julie Dowling, were invited to select works from the MCA's 'hidden treasures' collection as part of the exhibition.
Their selections profile a variety of works by contemporary artists that reflect current social, political and aesthetic concerns.
Mr Armstrong chose birds, a universal and easily recognised theme that crosses cultures and time.
Mr Armstrong feels that by sifting through the history of art he could find representations of birds in the earliest of humanity's creations, with perhaps the zenith of bird worship in ancient Egypt, where images of the falcon god Horus abound.
Ms Dowling has chosen art works that remind her of stories from her family and community.
Reflecting her own interest in story telling, her selection forms an essay on colonialism and identity, its core sentiment is isolation and remoteness Ms Dowling said.
Dawn Oelrich, Curator of the University Gallery is pleased to be able to present the exhibition at the University.
"Art collections are sometimes hidden from view because galleries and museums simply do not have enough space to show them all," Ms Oelrich said.
"The Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney has made a habit of inviting artists in to discover the 'hidden treasures' - to see what art is stored away and then creating exhibitions from their choices.
"Six artists where allowed into the inner sanctum for the MCA Unpacked II exhibition in Sydney, how much fun would that be?" Ms Oelrich said.
"The University of the Sunshine Coast Gallery is able to present two of the artist's selections.
"This exhibition is particularly intriguing because we are presenting a component and at the same time the Caloundra Regional Gallery will also have a component of the larger show from Sydney.
"Collaborating with the Caloundra Gallery means people on the Sunshine Coast have a wonderful opportunity to really discover MCA's hidden treasures," Ms Oelrich said.
Included will be works by renowned Australian artists such as Sidney Nolan, Imants Tillers, Bill Henson, Vivianne Shark LeWitt, peter Bootha and David Daymirringu.
MCA Unpacked II runs from 6 May to 4 June.
The University of the Sunshine Coast Gallery, located at the University campus on Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, is open to the public during exhibitions from 10am to 4pm weekdays and Saturday from 1pm to 4pm.
The Gallery is closed Sundays and public holidays.
Entry is free and group tours can be arranged by calling the Gallery on 5459 4645.
The 2005 University of the Sunshine Coast Gallery Exhibition Program is proudly supported by Coastline BMW.