St Leo’s new look

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Tags: art, colleges, summer-2011

Interactive art: the new facade of St Leo’s College

The Director of Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art was on hand to officiate an opening of a different kind at St Leo’s College in June.

Tony Ellwood joined Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield and college council Chair Joan Sheldon to reveal a new public artwork entitled Correlate.

Artist Lincoln Austin won the commission to create a work celebrating the college’s 94-year relationship with the University and UQ’s recent Centenary.

Crafted from glass, metal and mirrors, Correlate replaces the entrance doors and panels and produces different optical effects depending on the time of day.

Mr Austin said his work engaged metaphorically with the student journey each college resident takes.

“St Leo’s exists primarily to provide residence and support for young men often leaving the family home for the first time to pursue their studies in a myriad of subjects,” Mr Austin said.

Detail of the Correlate work

“Correlate is something to be passed through and is a daily reminder to the students especially that they are leaving the University and arriving home.”

Rector of St Leo’s College Brother Vince Skelly said a growing number of artworks within the college grounds and buildings helped enrich the creativity and imagination of residents and visitors.

“Correlate embraces the visitor. As a person walks into the college foyer, it takes the colours, shapes and movements and reflects these and other realities; it really is quite exciting,” Br Skelly said.

Professor Greenfield said he welcomed the latest addition to UQ’s impressive and diverse art collection.

The project received financial assistance through Arts Queensland from the Art+Place Queensland Government Public Art fund.

By Maree Ganley

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