North Queensland artist Roland Nancarrow is bringing a slice of the Maldives to Townsville’s Perc Tucker Regional Gallery with his new exhibition Maldives Artworks.
The Cairns-based artist created the Maldives Artworks collection of paintings and sculptures while taking part in an artist-in-residency on the small island nation in 2016.
Councillor Kurt Rehbein said Maldives Artworks would kick off a series of exhibitions from North Queensland artists to help celebrate Perc Tucker Regional Gallery’s 40th anniversary.
“We can’t travel at the moment thanks to coronavirus, but looking at this beautiful exhibition is as good as a holiday. It transports you to the lush tranquillity of the Maldives as you move from one painting to another,” Cr Rehbein said.
“I’m really pleased that we’re opening the year with Roland’s exhibition, and that Perc Tucker Regional Gallery will continue to embrace artists from North Queensland in honour of the gallery’s 40th year.”
Nancarrow has returned to the Maldives twice since his first trip in 2016, and has conducted residencies on the islands Reethi Rah, Niyama Private Islands and Kanifushi.
During his time on the islands he has conducted painting classes for holidaying guests as well as explored the islands for visual inspiration.
Maldives Artworks will be launched by Cr Rehbein this Friday and will run until Sunday, 28 March.
