A new Artist in Residence has entered the ring at the Museum of Brisbane. Multidisciplinary First Nations artist Dylan Bolger will be transforming the Dome Gallery into his own studio for six weeks as he works to create a monumental ten-panel drawing. This artwork will represent this 100th and final intricately rendered piece in his Leaf SZN series. Read on to learn more …
A proud Maiawali, Karuwali, Pitta-Pitta and Gomeroi artist, Dylan is known for bold artistic experimentation, working across a range of mediums and techniques. Many of his works are hand drawn and highly detailed, influenced by his background in architecture.
Dylan’s Leaf SZN series is part of his larger mission to recolonise Australia through art, with this series inspired by the ancient macaranga plant. The macaranga is a pioneer species, meaning it is one of the first to return to and repopulate areas that experience environmental devastation, stimulating new growth and life.
For Dylan, the macaranga symbolises the resilience of First Nations people who continue to thrive amidst the enduring legacies of colonisation.
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“I was toying with the idea of recolonising the coloniser,” he says. “I use the macaranga leaf to represent my people and culture as part of being an ‘old-world genesis’ as we grow back through the devastation of colonisation. Each leaf becomes a different identity or representation of a different person within Mob.”
As part of his residency, Dylan will be transforming the Dome Gallery to reflect his home studio, disrupting the gallery context. Visitors can drop in to watch Dylan work, chat with him about his practice and process, and contribute to a collaborative community mural inspired by Leaf SZN.
Dylan Bolger will be completing Leaf SZN at the Museum of Brisbane from October 8 to late November. Head to the Museum of Brisbane website to learn more.