The Sunshine Coast region has been, and continues to be, home to many artists. Since its inception, UniSC has been committed to acquiring works by recognised artists who are from, live in, or have a deep connection to the region. As our network of teaching locations has grown to encompass Brisbane to the Fraser Coast, so too has this commitment.
Lawrence Daws spent decades living and working on the Sunshine Coast and drew inspiration from the natural environment. A particular focus for Daws was the Glass House Mountains. Tibrogargan I demonstrates Daws’ unique approach to representing these regional icons. Tibrogargan's form is familiar, yet strange; its scale overemphasised, almost monstrous and slightly threatening in comparison to the surrounding plains. The painting floats between the real and unreal as if the natural landscape has been moulded by the artist’s internal preoccupations.
Lawrence Daws
Australia born 1927
Tibrogargan I 1997
Oil on canvas , 40.0 x 35.5cm
UniSC Art Collection. Acquired in 2013. Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program by Lawrence Daws.
© Lawrence Daws
Photo: Carl Warner
Bianca Beetson
Australia born 1978, Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi, Wiradjuri
Scar 2019
Etching on paper, 25.0 x 20.0cm
Edition 12/12
Printed by Dian Darmansjah
UniSC Art Collection. Acquired in 2020. Commissioned for the opening of UniSC Moreton Bay.
© Bianca Beetson
Photo: Carl Warner
On display
UniSC Moreton Bay
Foundation building
Level 2
This artwork depicts the past of this area that was a great community camp for Aboriginal peoples. Located by the river, there was an abundance of food, shelter and life itself.
—Melinda Serico
Melinda Serico
Australia born 1964, Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi
Changes 2019
Etching on paper, 20.0 x 25.0cm
Edition 12/12
Printed by Dian Darmansjah
UniSC Art Collection. Acquired in 2020. Commissioned for the opening of UniSC Moreton Bay.
© Melinda Serico
Photo: Carl Warner
On display
UniSC Moreton Bay
Foundation building
Level 2
My art is an exploration of culture, method and material. Through trial and error, I plan, experiment and visualise narratives that relate to country, culture and context. These experiments tell stories to bring out an understanding that may not have been previously known to the viewer.
—Jason Murphy
Jason Murphy
Australia born 1968, Jinibara
Mullet run 2019
Etching on paper, 25.0 x 20.0cm
Edition 12/12
Printed by Dian Darmansjah
UniSC Art Collection. Acquired in 2020. Commissioned for the opening of UniSC Moreton Bay.
© Jason Murphy
Photo: Carl Warner
On display
UniSC Moreton Bay
Foundation building
Level 2
The lighter coloured stingless bees from the lands that my grandmother called home were known by her as gabai. Granny also liked tea tree; the red and orange stained water, the sweet perfume of the flowers. When I was young Granny and I would visit the old Queensland Museum. Granny wasn't comfortable with going inside but we'd always visit the 'native' beehive together. This artwork combines the colour of tea tree stained waters and the gabai in a visual memory of her and of the things she liked and loved.
—David Jones
David Jones
Australia born 1969, Dalungbara
Gabai 2020
Etching on paper, 20.0 x 25.0cm
Edition 12/12
Printed by Dian Darmansjah
UniSC Art Collection. Acquired in 2020. Commissioned for the opening of UniSC Moreton Bay.
© David Jones
Photo: Carl Warner
On display
UniSC Moreton Bay
Foundation building
Level 2
The aim of this print is to depict the inseparability of the land and culture for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For me, my identity and culture is founded on connection to country and environment which in my perspective cannot be separated completely, only disconnected. Knowing and respecting that every animal, plant and being has their place and role to play to ensure the cycle continues and balance within nature is kept. This print has both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designs that incorporate the land and ocean as I am of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent. I hold strong connections with both the land and sea which forms the basis of my cultural identity.
—Cion Paiwan
Cion Paiwan
Australia born 1995, Cobble Cobble, Panai
Inseparable 2019
Etching on paper, 25.0 x 20.0cm
Edition 12/12
Printed by Dian Darmansjah
UniSC Art Collection. Acquired in 2020. Commissioned for the opening of UniSC Moreton Bay.
© Cion Paiwan
Photo: Carl Warner
On display
UniSC Moreton Bay
Foundation building
Level 2
Aunty Dr Hpe O’Chin Born 1952, Kabi Kabi, Wakka Wakka, Koa, Guugu Yimithirr. Mangrove Dreaming 2019. Etching on paper, 20.0 x 25.0cm. Edition 12/12. Printed by Dian Darmansjah. UniSC Art Collection. Commissioned for the opening of UniSC Moreton Bay, 2020. © Hope O'Chin. Photo: Carl Warner.
Aunty Dr Hope O’Chin
Mangrove Dreaming 2019
As a Kabi Kabi Elder, this artwork reflects the spiritual aura and connection I felt to a place where our ancestors may have possibly gathered together to fish and hunt. They most likely would have followed tracks of the animals such as the tracks and faeces of wallabies, possums and other animals that gravitated to this place to feed on the lush sweet grasses under the mangrove trees. The face of the warrior hunter is mirrored in the image which automatically evolved into the etching along with the flowers of the mangrove, and the trees which bent over following the sun towards the west.
—Aunty Hope O’Chin
On display
UniSC Moreton Bay
Foundation building
Level 2