Curator Nicola Holly introduces the Recovered Futures Art Exhibition 2024 in her catalogue essay:
“I am honoured to return as curator of Recovered Futures Art Exhibition this year. I feel privileged to examine each artist’s work and read their accompanying histories and stories. It has been a deeply moving experience to witness the breadth of talent and depth of personal insight shared through this exhibition.
“I would like to sincerely thank every artist who has submitted this year. It was not an easy job having to select the final works. A special thanks to the team at Richmond Fellowship Queensland, who have put extraordinary effort into ensuring this exhibition continues to thrive and expand into one of the most important events on the Queensland Mental Health Week calendar.
“The Recovered Futures Art Exhibition is an incredibly special and meaningful event that invites visitors into the intricate and often misunderstood landscape of mental health. Presented here are 270 pieces from artists of diverse backgrounds from across Queensland and NSW. The selection process revealed many themes: identity, isolation, resilience, humour and wit, but an overarching theme of connection emerged.
“The artists delve into a contemplative exploration of how we relate to one another, to the land we inhabit, to our families and to our inner selves. Through a broad selection of artworks spanning various mediums and distinct perspectives, this year’s exhibition invites viewers to reflect on the threads that bind us, both seen and unseen.
“John Smith Gumbula’s powerful work Wuy’mirri’ – Humpback Whale Dreaming Journey – ‘Bubble Net Feeding’ reminds of us of the importance of storytelling and conveys the tale of an ancient song line of whale migration. The artist says: ‘Whale-dreaming stories that are connected to our Indigenous ancestors passed down from generation to generation, each tribal narrative tells of ancestral spiritual and physical connections of the whale dreaming journey.’
“The theme of connection to familial bonds is explored through many different generations. Heart’s Teen’s Talk was created as a hopeful future for the artist’s son. The work presents a vibrant, interactive digital tableau that illustrates a group of friends engaged in shared activities – playing computer games, laughing and communicating meaningfully. In comparison, Judith Wolski’s Tondo The Circle of Life was inspired by her grandmother. Judith would often help weave baskets with her grandmother, who was vision impaired. The artist’s choice of woven plant fibres reflects the intricacy and depth of interpersonal connections.
“Lani’s You, Me and Anxiety is a deeply personal and literal portrayal of the impact anxiety has on the artist’s marriage. The work features a detailed illustration of the couple on the couch, with a large, shadowy figure occupying the space between them. The artist’s choice to place the figure between the couple reflects the real and often unseen influence of mental health struggles on daily life. Despite the presence of this metaphorical ‘blue beast’, the married couple are shown in a supportive and connected manner, capturing the kindness and patience of the artist’s husband. The work serves as a reminder of the importance of self-care and the sometimes unknown, and unintentional, impact of mental health on those we love.
“Many of the artworks in this exhibition touch on empathy – an essential human quality allowing us to understand and share the feelings of others. Emily Banwell’s Empathy encourages viewers to walk in someone else’s shoes, to move beyond observation and into the realm of shared experience. For Emily, the act of empathy is not about pity or sympathy but about connection – recognising the humanity in each person’s story.
“The artist writes: ‘I am especially interested in depicting relationships built around empathy. To walk in someone else’s shoes is to make effort to grasp others’ experiences and emotions. My boots have walked the highs and lows. The two finches are inquisitive with each other, noticing differences and similarities. They are also perhaps grappling with the human journey as they rest atop of these hard knocked boots. Through observing this special connection, I invite others to recognise our common humanity and embrace empathy.’
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“Recovered Futures is more than an exhibition – it is a conversation. It asks viewers to learn more about the nuanced terrain of mental health while emphasising artists are not solely defined by their individual experiences. By bravely sharing their personal journeys, artists offer both a mirror and a window – reflecting their own experiences while providing audiences with a broader perspective. I hope you find as much meaning and resonance in this exhibition as I did while working on it.”
Organised by Richmond Fellowship Queensland, the Recovered Futures Art Exhibition continues at the Grand Marquee, King George Square, until October 10, 9am to 5pm. Free entry.
recoveredfuturesshop.rfq.com.au
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