Germinating, growing, wilting: a new paradigm for the art of the North

Abstract

The unique aspects of a recent exhibition 'Germinating, growing, wilting' by Claudine Marzik and Tijn Meulendijks are discussed. Some of the unusual features of the works of Marzik and Meulendijks are highlighted.

Research Background: Having undertaken extensive research into national and international representations of space, this paper was requested by the editor of Art Monthly to provide additional data for Australian art within the tropics. It aimed to set a context for art historians, theorists, practitioners and the general art audience, providing an insight into contemporary art done within North Queensland.

Research Contribution: The paper adopts a discursive narrative based on fieldwork, interviews and discussions with the curator. This direct approach with contemporary art research provides insights which can be used for future reference in creating cultural maps in discrete regions throughout Australia. It has become a catalyst for a number of post graduate researchers undertaken PhDs through James Cook University.

Research Significance: This was the only review published in a national journal, exposing the artists within the national sector. Art Monthly provides a chronicle of contemporary Australian art in an accessible format for researchers both nationally and internationally. This article also provided direction and a degree of acknowledgement for two contemporary artists working in North Queensland and has since provided opportunities for their work to be seen outside of the region.