An exhibition exploring the colour 'red' marks the opening of an exciting new gallery space for The University of Queensland’s Anthropology Museum.
In the Red: on the vibrancy of things, examines the different meanings and manifestations of the colour across time and space.
UQ Anthropology Museum Director Dr Diana Young said the exhibition showcased over 360 red objects including items made with feathers, ochres, seeds, shells and the red cotton cloth known as ‘trade cloth’.
"Red ‘out does’ other hues. It can be a full stop; a beginning; a declaration. Yet red materials quickly fade or transform into another hue," she said.
"Exhibiting red things, things that were once red, might become red, or be imagined as red, also enables us to address the question of how museum collections maintain their vitality over time.
"Visitors are invited to think about what properties redness brings to things and to immerse themselves in the experience of the colour through the exhibition."
In the Red incorporates a variety of items including boomerangs, masks, instruments, and a spectacular example of red feather currency from Santa Cruz. Recent acquisitions are also featured, as are two specially commissioned paintings by artist Fiona Foley. Some additional objects will also be installed over the duration of the exhibition.
The UQ Anthropology Museum has undergone a major refurbishment and is now housed in a multi-million dollar purpose-built gallery space.
The new space features specially-designed exhibition cases and drawer units, moveable walls, custom lighting, and equipment to project and house multimedia exhibits.
Dr Young said the museum’s world-class collection was a “hidden gem” and was excited about promoting its treasures to students, scholars and the wider community.
"In the Red makes a bold statement about the museum’s ambitions and of what’s to come in the future," she said.
The University of Queensland’s Anthropology Museum is open every day from 11am to 4pm. In the Red is free to the public and runs until November 21.
Media: Diana Young, 07 3365 1210 or djbyoung@uq.edu.au; Charla Strelan, 07 3365 3111 or c.strelan@uq.edu.au
