In the world of creatives, like will seek out like – the Heidelberg School of Artists, the Heide Circle, the Barjai and Miya Art Cooperatives, the Meanjin Literary Circle – and nestled into Minjerribah’s Point Lookout, the Headland Chalet, home and haven until 2015 for a shifting community of artists, artist-run initiatives, bohemians and queer arts collectives.
The reminiscent collection, seen through a modern lens, is the creation of artist, art historian, researcher and journalist Paul Andrew. In collaboration with RAG and its collection, Paul has brought together a lovingly curated collection of paintings, watercolours, gouache, sketches, literary works, artists’ books, posters, video art, installations and soft textile works that typify the work that emerged from the Chalet. It also features a Zine* that Paul has produced specifically for the exhibition with support from a RADF grant.
“Marshall set up the Headland Chalet as a safe, affordable retreat and studio space where artistic fringe-dwellers could interact and explore their craft. It was part of the post-war shift away from traditional art to community-based perspectives, almost a move to DIY creativity,” Paul says.
“The featured artists also work with theatre and design and literature – we have many strings to our bows, and we’ve also received wonderful support from the North Stradbroke Island Museum; their collection is phenomenal. This exhibition frames the Headland Chalet explicitly as a significant artists’ community; some of those artists have since achieved international acclaim.”
Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said the exhibition was envisioned as a form of collaborative reminiscence, where memory, artworks and overlapping histories co-occur.
“This exhibition is a fitting tribute to Marshall Malouf for his vital contribution to the diversity, eloquence and queerness of creative expression in Queensland and Australian artist communities,” the Mayor said.
“Redland City is proud to showcase the creativity of many of the artists who frequented Headlands Chalet. We strongly encourage visitors not only to experience the exhibition, but also to share their own stories and memories of Headlands Chalet, helping us capture the rich, creative spirit of Marshall’s legacy,” she said.
*A print or digital publication created for a select readership.
