Last Chance to See - "Robert Preston's Inner Visions: Observation, Abstraction and Imagination, 1955 - 2021"

 

Robert Preston, Naxos Mirror, 1984. Casein emulsion and dry ground pigment, charcoal, pastel, conte, crayon and chalk on canvas on board, 153.9 x 120.9 cm. James Cook University Art Collection. © Robert Forrest Preston, 2010. Reproduced with permission of the artist. Photograph by Michael Marzik.

This expansive and diverse exhibition, which takes up the whole gallery space, is now in its final days at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Townsville.  It celebrates 66 years of outstanding visual arts practice from one of North Queensland’s most accomplished and influential artists.  Explore the diverse range of works on display by viewing the exhibition catalogue here and watch the Gallery’s promotional video.

Dr Robert Preston, a graduate of James Cook University (receiving his Masters in 1991 and PhD in 2006) was also a Senior Lecturer in the Visual Arts programme at James Cook University (1991 - 2012).

Michael Marzik, Bob Preston, 2016, Giclee digital print on Archival Hahnemule PhotoRag 308gsm, 49 x 64 cm, Edition 1/5. James Cook University Art Collection. ©Michael Marzik, 2016. Reproduced with permission of the photographer. 

 

Dr Preston’s artworks have recently been described as “beautifully rendered, closely observed and carefully considered”.  A number of his most significant works are held by the JCU Art Collection and provide clear evidence of this assertion.  Some of these works can be seen in the current exhibition at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery.  They include the mysterious Naxos Mirror from 1984 (see above), which is one of the largest works on show measuring 153.9 x 120.9 cm.  The image is derived from the decorated flat side of an ancient pottery artefact created in the shape of a frying pan. These artefacts, found in graves in the Cycladic islands off the coast of Greece, are around 5000 years old.   Read more about this work and others which featured in the Celebrating Townsville exhibition in 2016 through the Education Kit developed by the Library for students.

Robert Preston, S'labicated Monument 1, 2010. Charcoal and black chalk on paper, 55 x 75 cm. James Cook University Art Collection. © Robert Forrest Preston, 2010. Reproduced with permission of the artist. Photograph by Michael Marzik

 

Dr Preston’s large and skillfully executed charcoal drawings titled S’Labicated Monument 1 & 2 were recently part of JCU Library’s 50 Treasures project conducted in 2020 to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of the University.  Creative Director at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Dr Jonathan McBurnie answered the question of why these works are significant in his post for the project.  Explore the NQHeritage 50 Treasures Online exhibition page to see all the selected treasures, including other artworks from the JCU Art Collection.

Recent additions to the JCU Art Collection in NQHeritage@JCU include The Mezin Plaque artworks donated by Dr Preston to the University in 2016.  These works, like many others, can now be explored online as we continue to embellish their records with more information as it comes to hand.

Robert Preston, The Lost Songs of Eden No.1 - The Mezin Plaque, 1990. Pigment and wax on carved 'synthetic stone' on board. 35 x 103 cm. James Cook University Art Collection. © Robert Forrest Preston, 2010. Reproduced with permission of the artist. Photograph by Carl Warner.

 

 

Robert Preston, Working Drawing for the Lost Songs of Eden No.1 - The Mezin Plaque, 1990. Charcoal and chalk on tracing paper over 'grass paper'. 38.5 x 100.5 cm. James Cook University Art Collection. © Robert Forrest Preston, 2010. Reproduced with permission of the artist. Photograph by Carl Warner.

Robert Preston, Fragments of a Lost Place No 2, 1985. Charcoal from site and black chalk on Arches paper, 75 x 108 cm. James Cook University Art Collection. © Robert Forrest Preston, 2010. Reproduced with permission of the artist. Photograph by Carl Warner.

These artworks, including Fragments of a Lost Place No 2 1985 (as seen above) make visual reference to archaeological objects from ancient worlds.  Over the course of a long art making career Dr Preston’s work has explored a range of fascinating themes, of which this can be seen as one.

Dr Preston’s PhD thesis titled Kala: journeyings through colour and time can be accessed here online through ResearchOnline@JCU.   You can also read more about the artist’s earlier works in the Gallery’s 1989 Survey Exhibition catalogue.

Be sure to visit the Gallery to view these wonderful artworks in person.  Perc Tucker Regional Gallery’s opening hours can be checked here.

Dr Preston's artworks can also often be viewed in the Eddie Koiki Mabo Library as part of the JCU Art Collection on display.