Gallery scores with State of Origin art exhibition

Nothing says Queensland quite like the colour Maroon!

The Hervey Bay Regional Gallery is packed with art and memorabilia celebrating the history of the State of Origin rugby league series as a part of a special new art exhibition opening tomorrow night (Friday, 9 June).

Inspired by Queensland’s passion for the greatest sporting rivalry of all time, Origin Story brings together artists from across the Fraser Coast to reflect on the cultural contribution of the State of Origin to Queensland’s identity.

Deputy Mayor Denis Chapman said he was thrilled to see such a diverse offering in the gallery.

“There’s modern art, a decked-out Ford Falcon, historical photos as well the original State of Origin Cup from 1945 on display, thanks to the Army Museum South Queensland,” he said.

“This is the ultimate exhibition for sport, history and art lovers, celebrating the significance of rugby league within the Fraser Coast community.

“Council is keen to ensure the community has opportunities to appreciate arts, heritage and cultural diversity, and this is certainly one of the more unique exhibitions to be displayed at our gallery.”

Curated by the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery’s Llewellyn Millhouse, the show features commissioned artworks from Joel Barney, Shane Jacob, Ashley Nixon, Phillip Piperides, Phoebe Paradise, Jack Rodgers, Teho Ropeyarn, Erika Scott and David Spooner.

Fraser Coast’s biggest Origin fan Shane Jacob has volunteered his pride and joy for the exhibition – a fully "Marooned" 1994 ED Falcon which sports the dates of all the years Queensland has claimed the premiership!

Origin Story features a work from the Fraser Coast Regional Council Collection and loans from QRL History Committee, Army Museum South Queensland and State Library of Queensland.

The other new exhibition opening at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery this month is Gordon Hookey: A MURRIALITY, which presents perspectives on historical and contemporary issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through sculpture, printmaking, video and large-scale painting.

Gordon Hookey: A MURRIALITY is a touring exhibition from the Institute of Modern Art, Brisbane and UNSW  Galleries, which features loans from major collections including Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, and the National Gallery of Australia.

The exhibitions are on display from 9 June to 27 August 2023 at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery.  The gallery is located at 166 Old Maryborough Road in Pialba and is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 10am to 4pm and on weekends from 10am to 2pm. Entry is free.