New to the collection - Bianca Beetson
Four works from the self-portrait series were selected for their reflection of the visual culture and character of the Sunshine Coast
Following on from her most recent solo exhibition: Being Human, at Caloundra Regional Gallery in 2019, Kabi Kabi / Waradjuri woman, Bianca Beetson began talks with Collection Curator, Nina Shadforth about the possibility of adding artworks from the exhibition to the Sunshine Coast Art Collection.
- Warrior Woman – Marutchi
- Warrior Woman – Bonyi
- Blak Majick Star Woman
- Self-portrait – Ruby don’t take your art to town
Through a process of research and assessment, four works from the self-portrait series were selected for their reflection of the visual culture and character of the Sunshine Coast, and through story-telling, the connection to Country, and thus were generously donated by the artist to the Collection.
The series of Bianca’s ‘self-portrait’ works from the exhibition are the result of a seven year research journey from her Visual Arts Doctorate at Griffith University, where she intensely examined her own identity as a contemporary Aboriginal woman; the ‘selfie’ – exploring notions of love, nurture, death, magic, healing and Lore, whilst concurrently delving into the links between culture, history and ancestry.
Much of Beetson’s work references her deep connection to Country and the experience of the emotional turmoil that Traditional Custodians face in protecting and caring for Country, battling against destruction of Country, and in particular destruction of the Bunya Pine.
Bianca’s self-portraits are important additions for the Collection as they are representative of the local First Nations artworks in the Collection’s holdings that capture, interpret and narrate the people and places of the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara First Nations peoples of the Sunshine Coast region.
The works donated are exquisite digital photographs and are a stunning addition to the Collection that helps build upon the representation of contemporary new media art by First Nations artists.
You can see one of the donated works Self-portrait – Ruby don’t take your art to town (pictured) currently on display at Caloundra Council Chambers Reception on Level 3 of the Caloundra Administration building, Omrah Ave.
Find out more about Bianca Beetson. The Being Human exhibition catalogue available from the Caloundra Regional Gallery Shop.
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Bianca Beetson | Self-portrait
Bianca Beetson | Self-portrait – Ruby don’t take your art to town