The Infinite Landscapes of Kusama and Longreach
In a groundbreaking exhibition that brings international contemporary art to the heart of Western Queensland, the Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach has unveiled a mesmerizing installation by the globally renowned artist, Yayoi Kusama. This vibrant addition to the museum's offerings not only enriches the local cultural landscape but also showcases the museum's capacity to host significant artworks, marking a pivotal moment for the community and art enthusiasts across Australia and beyond.
“I guess that makes me feel really excited that when we started on this pathway for the project to bring this to our hometown, we can definitely show the world that we can bring amazing art right to the Outback,” said Sarah Johnson, the Senior Curator at the Qantas Founders Museum,
“This gives us an opportunity to showcase to our community, but also to the arts community of Australia and internationally that we actually are able to host significant international artworks as we have now,” Tony Callanan, the CEO, explained. “what we're trying to do, is promote the outback as not only the traditional outback visitation, but there's a whole cultural and arts community here as well.”
This venture is part of a broader initiative by the National Gallery of Australia aimed at making art more accessible across the country. The installation, a room painted in a unique bright shade of orange-yellow adorned with thousands of black dots and featuring a cubic mirror with a mysterious view, is designed to engage and captivate visitors, offering them a glimpse into Kusama's iconic themes of infinity and the cosmos. This is accompanied by other hands on experiences inspired by the main Kusama idea tailored especially for kids and parents to collaborate on.
Local artist and Central Queensland University Arts officer, Emma Read, expressed her admiration for Kusama and the importance of bringing such high-level art to regions where access to contemporary culture is often limited. “As an artist myself, I have followed Yayoi Kusama forever, I just never thought I would get to see it in person. So it was just one of the most amazing things to see in Western Queensland. A lot of people just don't get to experience arts and culture, especially at this really elite high level.” Read's involvement in designing interactive and educational components of the exhibition ensures that it is an inclusive experience for all ages, emphasizing the idea that art is not just for the elite but for everyone.
The exhibition, which officially opened on March 15th, has already sparked considerable interest among local schools and the wider community, promising to be a significant draw for both residents and tourists. By extending the invitation to art and the profound questions it raises to a broader audience, the Qantas Founders Museum hopes to inspire future generations and demonstrate the boundless possibilities of creative expression.
As visitors explore the dot-covered space and peer through the cubic mirror, they are invited into Kusama's vision of a universe connected by dots, a space where imagination knows no bounds. This exceptional exhibition not only highlights the museum's dedication to enriching its cultural offerings but also positions Longreach as a vibrant hub for arts and culture in the outback.
Entry into the exhibition is free and will be open from March 16 until September 22nd. The museum encourages everyone to seize this unique opportunity to experience the work of one of the contemporary art world's most distinctive voices, right in their own backyard.
