Crafted Contemplations

Over 10 days as the inaugural artist-in-residence at Museum of Brisbane, I undertook intense research into the design and architecture of Museum of Brisbane and Brisbane City Hall. After taking a tour of the City Hall several months ago, I learnt that this building has an eclectic mix of neo-classical Greek and Roman refences alongside art deco styling of the 1920s-construction era. The building is bursting with ornate embellishments, with many of these designs and patterns encompassing a purpose or meaning behind them. During the first couple of days in the studio, I created studies of patterns in the window panes, mosaic tiles, ceiling designs and the original hand-drawn architectural plans of the building. These studies have then informed this site-specific installation of hand cut paper works, as a homage to the rich tapestry of patterns within the building.  I invite viewers to seek these patterns out within Museum of Brisbane and with a Brisbane City Hall Tour, so you too can appreciate the intricate beauty of this historical place.

Crafted Contemplations, 2017, hand-cut paper installation, commissioned by Museum of Brisbane as part of their artist-in-residence program, Brisbane City Hall.

Photography: Elysha Rei, 2017