A Carnival Queen’s sceptre made from a seedpod, a spinning floral ‘digital embroidery’ and Carnival of Flowers Queens made from Matryoshka dolls are among artworks by the Region’s artists that feature in Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery’s salute to the 75th Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.
Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery earlier this year invited Toowoomba Region artists to create new works in any medium inspired by the theme, ‘Carnival Queens’, ‘It’s a Party’, or both.
Carnival Queens blends contemporary art with the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers’ rich history.
This jubilant exhibition has something for everyone. It includes Carnival of Flowers Queens made from Matryoshka dolls, a Carnival Queen’s sceptre made from a hand-painted seedpod, a ceramics vessel celebrating the long way home through Queens Park after seeing a live band, and a spinning floral ‘digital embroidery’, to highlight a few.
Referencing her work, Wonderment, artist Diana Battle said being a Carnival Queen would be joyful, then followed by many unexpected surprises.
“There would be the feeling of pleasure and happiness with a cause for celebration. Possibly a party with fireworks where all faces would be turned to the sky at dusk in wonder as shapes and lights appear. I wanted my painting to encourage the imagination with surprise and curiosity,” Diana explained.
Karen Canning’s work, Little bird, pays homage to her mother: “A tiny, quiet woman who was a Carnival sporting queen in the 50s,” she recalled.
