BCEC Embraces Aboriginal Art – All 2,000 Square Metres of It

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre’s signature gala event space – the Plaza Ballroom – home to the majority of Brisbane’s premier gala and celebrity events, now proudly showcases what is perhaps the largest artwork on display in Australia.

A painting by the highly regarded Aboriginal artist, Dorothy Napangardi, has been reproduced on to the Ballroom’s new carpet to great effect.

The painting, ‘Sandhills’ was purchased by the Convention Centre from the artist with her blessing for the specific purpose of recreating the artwork on carpet, giving thousands of international and national delegates the opportunity to experience the acknowledged spiritual beauty of Central Desert Art.

The Centre’s Director of Operations, Geoff Hanrahan worked with local designer Carly Perkins to create this spectacular example of carpet art which now adorns 2,000 square metres of ballroom floor.

Commissioning the carpet and the transference of the original artwork to the carpet medium was a long and complex process but with an extremely worthwhile and rewarding outcome.

‘Sandhills’ portrays the journey of ancestral women to the sacred salt lakes and sand hills of Mina Mina on the remote Northern Territory/Western Australia border. For artist Napangardi, Mina Mina is a dancing ground yet also a mirage – a space for contemplation and celebration.

The Centre takes pride in furthering and promoting interest in Australian Indigenous art and from its earliest days has built on of the most significant collections of Central Desert Art. This museum quality collection of Indigenous art is currently on display in the Centre’s permanent art space – the Plaza Gallery.

The AEG Ogden managed Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, was the first convention centre in Australia to introduce a permanent art gallery space and with the purchase of ‘Sandhills’ continues with its art enhancement strategy.