Artspace Mackay acquires regionally significant works

Published: 12 Nov 2020

In time for NAIDOC Week celebrations this week, Artspace Mackay has secured the purchase of an artwork by an internationally acclaimed local Indigenous artist.

Pairabeenee woman Jemima Wyman’s Flourish 9 collage has been added to the Mackay Regional Council Art Collection along with a work by leading Australian potter David Ray.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council was committed to embracing opportunities to promote local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture to the wider community.

“Jemima Wyman is one of the highest profile practicing artists to come from Mackay,” Mayor Williamson said.

“She was born in 1977 in Sydney, but grew up in Mackay, and currently lives and works in Brisbane and Los Angeles, USA.

“Wyman has exhibited widely in Australia and internationally since 1998.”

Artspace Director Tracey Heathwood said Flourish 9 was one of Wyman’s most recent works.

“It focuses on patterns and masking used by marginalised groups to gain power,” Ms Heathwood said.

“She investigates camouflage as a formal, social and political strategy.”

This is only the second work by Wyman to enter the Mackay Regional Council Art Collection.

Ms Heathwood said the work by David Ray is three earthenware pieces that holds a narrative about our manufactured worlds versus the natural environment.

“Ray produced this work after his proximity to the 2009 Black Saturday fires and the 2018 Eungella fires,” Heathwood said.

“The set includes two vases featuring images of a koala wearing a face mask surrounded by black smoke, and a motorbike rider in flames.”

Artspace Mackay offers a range of programs and exhibitions showcasing works from the Mackay Regional Council Art Collection.

Call 07 4961 9722 for information on upcoming exhibitions and public programs.