Tackling humanity’s future and indigenous heritage through art

Two thought-provoking exhibitions inspired by science fiction and Hollywood disaster flicks are coming to Hervey Bay Regional Gallery this Summer.

Fraser Coast Regional Council Arts spokesperson Sara Faraj said Butchulla and Burmese artist Mia Boe’s first exhibition in Hervey Bay, Guwinganj, looks to the past to imagine the future, while group exhibition Picturing the End examines the enduring narrative appeal of ‘the apocalypse’.

‘Guwinganj’ is a Butchulla word for a benevolent spirit: a guiding force from the past that helps to navigate the present,” she said.

“This exhibition explores the role of Indigenous knowledge in addressing the challenges of the future, bringing together recent paintings, including Boe’s sci-fi influenced The Aboriginal Robot series, and contemplative new works inspired by the artist’s residency on Butchulla Country.

“As part of the exhibition's development, Mia participated in the Fiona Foley Residency, spending one week on the mainland and another on K’gari to deepen her connection to the region's stories.

“The Fiona Foley Artist Residency is an invitational biennial artist residency program hosted by Hervey Bay Regional Gallery in conjunction with esteemed Badtjala/Butchulla artist Dr Fiona Foley.

Ms Boe said her work invites viewers to explore the rich history of Hervey Bay and K’gari.

“These pieces reflect my connection to country and culture while also grappling with the loss of those connections due to colonialism.

“I hope this exhibition fosters a deeper understanding of the history of this land and reminds people of the enduring effects of colonialism on my people,” she said.

Cr Faraj said Picturing the End, a curated group exhibition which will run alongside Guwinganj, explores apocalyptic themes through a collection of contemporary artworks spanning painting, installation, video and more.

“Picturing the End examines our fascination with the ‘end times’, particularly its proliferation in art, popular media and cinema,” she said.

“Artworks in the Picturing the End look at the apocalypse and it’s long-standing position as a subject of art, from bombastic Hollywood disaster flicks, to the fatalistic memes of the present day. The exhibition also includes a program of free film screenings over the summer.

“The exhibition features work by a range of Australian artists, including Tiyan Baker, Joseph Breikers, Michael Cook, Kinly Grey, Guy Louden, Dana Lawrie, Tracey Moffatt and Grant Stevens, and is the final exhibition of departing Hervey Bay Regional Gallery Curator Llewellyn Millhouse.”

Mia Boe: Guwingaj is on view from Saturday November 30 and Picturing the End from Saturday December 7, both running until Sunday February 16, 2025.

The exhibitions will be officially launched Friday December 6, 5:30-7:30pm with a free event at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery.

For more information, visit https://hbrg.com.au.

The gallery is located at 166 Old Maryborough Road in Pialba, and is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 4pm, and weekends from 10am to 2pm.