THE UNIVERSITY ART COLLECTION AND CURATION
BIRABAHN...BUILDING THE ART COLLECTION
In 2023 the University of Newcastle celebrates forty years of the Wollotuka Institute and twenty years of residence in Birabahn, the eaglehawk inspired building that houses their institute on the land of the Pambalong clan. The award-winning Birabahn building was a leader in First Nations architectural design principles* and consultation. To commemorate the forty year milestone, the building and its art collection have had a makeover. We are very pleased to share a suite of new works that will be curated into the existing collection. The new installation shares stories through remarkable First Nations art practice from across Australia, the Torres Strait Islands, and closer to home. With works from celebrated artists such as Damien and Yilpi Marks, Elsie (Myapu) Thomas, Djakaŋu Yunupiŋu and a rare collection of Nada Tjigila Rawlins, this exhibition reinforces our commitment to building culturally safe spaces in the University and the celebration of the diversity of contemporary First Nations art. The Birabahn Collection was first viewed at Watt Space Gallery and is now permanently installed at the Wollotuka Institute. * Architects Richard Leplastrier, Peter Stutchbuty and Sue Harper |
UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ON DISPLAY THROUGH OUT THE NEW Q BUILDING
NEWCASTLE CITY CAMPUS The state-of-the-art building known as ‘Q’, was opened in June 2021 to house the Future Arts and Science and Technology Lab (FASTLab) – a living lab and translational research centre, as well as the Integrated Innovation Network Hub (I2N) dedicated to the incubation, start-up, scale-up and launch of new commercial ventures. The University Galleries team recently installed artworks from the collection throughout the building with a focus on alumni of the University of Newcastle. Artworks by Sheree Fleming, Simone Darcy, Stephen Garrett, Alessia Sakoff, Roger Hanley, Brett Alexander, David Middlebrook, Michael Randall, James Rhodes, Vanessa Lewis, Shan Turner-Carroll, Rachel Klyve, Brett Piva and Catherine Strutt were installed throughout three levels, enriching public spaces with art encouraging further curiosity and engagement. To view a virtual tour of Q building click here. Image: Brett Alexander, Around Midnight at the Palace, 2012 and Stephen's Creek, Owl Collection Inspiration 2012. Both knitted yarn on canvas support, 155 x 107cm. The University Art Collection. |
THE UNIVERSITY ART COLLECTION NEW ACQUISITIONS
TJANPI DESERT WEAVERS As a new addition to the growing University Art Collection, the Galleries team contacted Tjanpi Desert Weavers to acquire some woven sculptures for display in public areas throughout the University’s City Campuses and throughout Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute. Works by artists Tumnia Kenta, Corrina Shepherd, Pollyanne Smith, Tjunkaya Tapaya, Heather Brumby, Priscilla McLean, Erica Shorty, Ingrid Treacle, Roshanna Elizabeth Yinga Williamson and Nancy Jackson have been purchased. Created from native grasses (tjanpi) and raffia, wool and twine, these sculptures represent forms of small desert creatures such as echidnas, wallabies, lizards and birds. As an ongoing commitment to purchasing art from art centres representing first nations practices across Australia, these artworks represent the rich cultural practices of women who maintain culture, teaching children and performing inma (cultural song) while collecting grasses and spending time on Country. From the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) lands, which cover approximately 350,000 square kilometres across WA, SA and NT, Tjanpi Desert Weavers encapsulates contemporary life on Country for over 400 women. Tjanpi Desert Weavers is the social enterprise arm of the NPY Women’s Council, allowing women in the remote Central and Western deserts to earn an income from contemporary fibre art. Image: Pollyanne Smith, Tjikamarta (echidna), 2021. Tjanpi (native grass), raffia, wire and natural fibres, 55cm x 20cm x 30cm. The University Art Collection. |