Artist Mandy Quadrio brings fun and creativity to QAGOMA’s Art Box for Kids
Little hands and curious minds can dive into a world of creativity and culture at QAGOMA’s Art Box for Kids – a free drop-in exhibition series created in collaboration with Trawlwoolway/Pairabeenee and Laremairremenner (Tasmanian Aboriginal) artist, Mandy Quadrio.
Based in Brisbane/Meanjin, Mandy works across sculpture, installation and mixed media, reflecting on her Lutruwita/Tasmanian First Australians heritage. Her people have used Tasmanian bull kelp for thousands of years to make useful objects including carriers for water, food and seeds. As part of the ‘Art Box for Kids‘ project, Mandy’s activity Paper Treasure Carrier invites children to create their own unique paper treasure carrier to hold their cherished objects, secret finds and tiny keepsakes. Children can be inspired by a display of paper carriers made by Mandy, the artist’s grandchildren and students from Deadly Kids at West End State School.
The space will also feature a display of Mandy’s artworks including a traditional Palawa bull kelp water carrier, titled Hold me while you can: Endangered species 2020. The artist chose the title of this work to highlight the negative effect of climate change on the bull kelp forests of Tasmania, and the importance of caring for Country.
Mandy has also selected three vessels from the QAGOMA Collection by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists for display, each traditionally used to gather or carry food and other items. These artworks will be the focus of the gallery’s winter Art Play Date program – which encourages toddlers to learn about art through songs, movement and games.
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‘Art Box for Kids: Mandy Quadrio’ has the endorsement of the Tebrakunna Circle of Elders, the artist’s Trawlwoolway/Pairabeenee family and community from north-east Tasmania/Lutruwita/Trouwerner. The creation of cultural objects using customary techniques, including the use of bull kelp to make water carriers, is a practice held by Tasmanian Aboriginal women.
Running from May 31 to October 26, ‘Art Box for Kids’ is free and open to all, with no bookings needed. Drop in Monday to Friday from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, or weekends from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. Visit the QAGOMA website for more information.
This article was written in partnership with our friends at QAGOMA.