Queensland
Brisbane
Two principal ideas formed the basis for the exhibition design:
Reframing how audiences see themselves within the museum, as being part of the Museum’s collection, and contextualising the artworks and artefacts in the collection to convey the progression from a collection of a municipality’s ephemera to a collection of contemporary art.
An immersive experience was developed that avoided the white cube gallery space and instead presented a spatial experience with familiarity. There is a sense that you are walking within a vitrine, that as a viewer you are part of the City’s collection.
In addition to this, Hugh Hamilton’s drawing ‘Queensland Pub’ of 1886, and Taloi’s own experiences in Australian pubs are drawn upon for the design. A version of a pub, ‘the local’, is made that reflects a space of sociability and prejudice (what is allowed in, what is collected, what is excluded).
I really enjoyed working with Dirk. His exceptional design projects and extensive knowledge of Brisbane and local artists made Speculative Architecture the perfect practice to engage for my project, The Local at the Museum of Brisbane.
Dirk’s studio practice created space for new and inventive ways for realising the exhibition design. I felt understood and supported at every stage – from discussing initial ideas and liaising with museum staff across disciplines through to guiding the exhibition build.
Taloi Havini – artist.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
