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 recently.
Tony Ellwood joined UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield and college council Chair Joan Sheldon on June 2 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.
“For the time of their stay at St Leo’s College it is home for these young men. 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 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.
Media: Maree Ganley at St Leo's College (07 3878 0724, m.ganley@stleos.uq.edu.au) or Cameron Pegg at UQ Communications (07 3365 2049, c.pegg@uq.edu.au)
