A new exhibition at the State Library of Queensland in July will explore Queensland’s mid-century architecture and showcase the changing face of the state’s landscape.
Hot Modernism: building modern Queensland 1945-75, presented in partnership with The UQ School of Architecture, will invite visitors to explore Queensland’s past.
State Librarian Janette Wright explains that post World War Two was a period of immense change and development for Queensland.
According to Wright, the new found optimism of the time inspired a greater connection to the world and a desire for a new way of living, which were characterised in the modernist movement.
However, little is currently identified or celebrated about this exciting period in Queensland’s design practice.
Wright believes Hot Modernism will be an engaging exhibition and events program.
"[it] will explore and showcase the changing face of the Queensland landscape, revealing not only the stories of the architecture, but of the people who created, worked and lived in the buildings,” she said.
Visitors to the architecture exhibition will be able to walk through a full-scale recreation of a 1957 house, take a seat in a 1960s living room and examine 3D architectural models, original drawings and historical photographs from the time.
Arts Minister Ian Walker said he looked forward to seeing the origins of Queensland’s strong, independent identity celebrated and on display at the exhibition.
Minister Walker also appreciated the efforts of the State Library of Queensland and The University of Queensland to re-ignite important conversations about the designs and development of yesterday.
“From the iconic Riverside Expressway, to structures like the Torbreck apartment building in Highgate Hill, our past constantly surrounds us, but we don’t often take the time to look around and appreciate the fascinating history of our state.
“It’s particularly gratifying to see State Library of Queensland working together with The University of Queensland to re-ignite important conversations about the designs and development of yesterday, as we continue to define how we want to live today, and into the future,” said Minister Walker.
Hot Modernism will be on display at the State Library of Queensland from 9 July to 12 October.
The project is supported by the Australian Research Council’s Linkage Project funding scheme, and project partners BVN Donovan Hill, Conrad Gargett Riddel – Ancher Mortlock Woolley and Wilson Architects.
