Griffith students go behind the scenes at GOMA

Queensland College of Art students assisting with the installation of Private collection 2016 — 18 by APT9 artist Jeong Geumhyung.Courtesy the artist and QAGOMA. Photo credit: Chloe Callistemon, QAGOMA
QCA students assisting with the installation of Private collection 2016 — 18 by APT9 artist Jeong Geumhyung. Courtesy the artist and Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art. Photograph: Chloe Callistemon, QAGOMA.

Queensland College of Art students have received an exclusive ‘behind the scenes’ look at the blockbusterAsia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art – spending several days installing work at the Gallery of Modern Art alongside artists and curators.

Once in a lifetime experience

QCA Director, Prof. Derrick Cherrie

Queensland College of Art Director Professor Derrick Cherrie (left) said it was a unique opportunity for students to see how a major exhibition is installed, from the ground up.

“Our close partnership with QAGOMA has opened up once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for our students,” he said.

“A chance to install works by major artists from across the region and work alongside QAGOMA’s curatorial team in the set-up of this world renowned exhibition is a fantastic learning experience.”

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Queensland College of Art students with Days of Bliss and Woe 2018 by APT9 artist Iman Raad. Courtesy the artist and Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art. Photo: Chloe Callistemon, QAGOMA

QCA doctoral candidate Christine Ko said the experience had been “inspiring”.

“It’s been great to be immersed in world class art, it inspires you to aim higher,” she said.

“We got the chance to work beside artists and curators and access to all of the galleries.

“Opportunities like this are the reason I wanted to study at the QCA.”

Fellow doctoral candidate Annique Goldenberg said it was a privilege watching a major exhibition take shape.

“All of the install staff, curators and artists were so patient and generous with their time and knowledge,” she said.

QCA students assisting with the installation of Here we are sisters 2018 by APT9 artist Kay Lawrence. Courtesy the artist and Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art. Photo: Natasha Harth, QAGOMA

“It was a privilege to observe how they completed an install of this size and complexity, and learn about the different installation methods and techniques involved in an exhibition like APT.”

APT9 features more than 80 artists and collectives from over 30 countries.

The exhibition encompasses never-before-seen installations, paintings, sculptures, photographs and videos from emerging and senior artists, together with leading works from Indigenous communities and artists.

APT9 opens this weekend and runs until 28 April 2019.