Fans of Margaret Olley still have a chance to view a groundbreaking exhibition of her works at the UQ Art Museum – but they better get in quick.
Having attracted more than 10,000 people since opening in February, Margaret Olley: Life’s journey traces the many places the artist has lived and worked over the years, and closes on April 19.
The free exhibition includes over 80 pieces on paper drawn from national, state and private collections, as well as the artist’s own, and provides a unique look at Olley’s celebrated career.
Museum director Nick Mitzevich said the artist’s popularity in Australia was immense, and that the exhibition had broken all attendance records since opening in February.
“Her oil paintings of still life and interior subjects invariably receive enormous public attention,” Mr Mitzevich said.
“For her art work and her generous philanthropic spirit, she is rightly considered a national living treasure.”
Mr Mitzevich said assembling the show had been a colossal but enjoyable task, as his research team tracked down many works which had dropped off the art world’s radar.
“Our visitors have told us how they have been surprised and enchanted by these works, which offer such an unexpected spectrum of the artist’s experience,” he said.
“Of course it was also a wonderful journey of discovery for my co-curator Michele Helmrich and myself, as we located and brought together the 80 works that make up the exhibition.
“Margaret Olley herself was delighted to rediscover works also, some of which she had not seen for 60 years and then may never have seen on a gallery wall.”
While images of France, Italy and South East Asia figure prominently in the show, the depictions of local landmarks such as the Brisbane River and the Old Victoria Bridge are also highlights.
A fully illustrated catalogue featuring an extended interview with the artist is available from the museum, while pod and vodcasts of Margaret Olley in conversation can be downloaded online.
The UQ Art Museum is open from 10am – 4pm daily with parking free on weekends.
Media: Nick Mitzevich (0434 361 383, 07 3365 3046, n.mitzevich@uq.edu.au) or Cameron Pegg at UQ Communications (07 3365 2049, c.pegg@uq.edu.au)
** High resolution images are available for download here
