Art as Exchange

This resource is designed to generate informed discussion about, and creative responses to, the cultural, ecological, historical and contemporary significance of sites of tremendous importance to Queensland.

Carnarvon Ranges

The sandstone cliffs of the Carnarvon Ranges in remote central Queensland are home to ancestral spirits and ancient cave art. Traditional custodians from the Bidjara and Garingbal peoples have strong connections to the Carnarvon Ranges, although the site holds an important place within the histories of many Aboriginal language groups.

Early European settlers found shelter within the caves, grasslands and waterways of this precious habitat. The legacy of white land ownership forever changed the terrain of the region.

An oasis and a site of eternal significance in the centre of Queensland, the Carnarvon Ranges are a source of inspiration and a reminder about the challenges of preservation and sustainability.

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Guide to Authentic Experiences

The Art as Exchange (AasEx) resources are designed to be used as case studies for the authentic arts learning experiences at the core of units 1 and 2 in the Queensland Senior Visual Art curriculum.

The resources are intended to demonstrate the benefits of learning about:

  • contemporary Queensland artists and artworks in the QAGOMA Collection
  • Queensland sites of cultural significance
  • the ancient and modern history of Queensland
  • the lived experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • sustainability issues affecting the ecosystems and habitats of Queensland

Recommended use of the Art as Exchange resources:

  • Focus on the practice of D Harding to formulate a response to the reflecting question from Units 1 and 3 – How do artists consider ideas and information, media techniques and processes?
  • Research the history sections of the sites featured in AasEx to identify connections or patterns that link shared histories between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians
  • Research the environment sections of the sites featured in AasEx to compare and contrast ecosystems and approaches to land management and sustainability
  • Research the artworks included in the AasEx resources and use the ‘add to collection’ feature to generate your own collection
  • Create responses to any or all of the AasEx workshops, preferably by working together as an art class.