Australian Indigenous Artist to Exhibit at Venice

In June this year, artist Vernon Ah Kee will be the first Indigenous Australian living
in Brisbane to exhibit his artwork at the highly prestigious 53rd Venice Biennale
International Art Exhibition. This ground-breaking experience will be recorded by
Silver Screen Pictures in association with QPIX, as part of the new documentary,
Vernon Ah Kee.
Executive Director of QPIX, Kerry O’Rourke says ‘QPIX and Silver Screen
Pictures are working together to capture Vernon Ah Kee’s incredible artistic
career culminating in the Venice Biennale. Many Australians, whether involved
with the arts or not, will appreciate what an outstanding achievement this is.’
Vernon Ah Kee says of his recent selection, 'I'm really excited to be exhibiting
in Venice. It is a major highlight of my career and I hope my work will be well
received.'
Rebecca Fawcett, Supervising Producer on the documentary, Vernon Ah Kee
says 'QPIX has sponsored the Vernon Ah Kee film crew to travel with Vernon and
his family to Venice. The crew will capture the many highlights of the Venice
Biennale including the glamorous opening events, the networking and the
acclaim on an international stage.’
‘Vernon Ah Kee will also explore the behind-the-scenes struggles and pressures
of the Biennale, from having to ship and install large artworks in a foreign
country at one of the world’s most venerated art exhibitions, to facing the
criticism of the art world’s elite. ‘ Rebecca says.
Vernon Ah Kee Director, Alex Barnes says ‘Vernon's work is highly thoughtprovoking.
His work for the Venice Biennale is a masterful interlacing of Aussie
surf and indigenous cultures. Using surfboards as canvases for his art Vernon
has collaborated with Gold Coast indigenous surfer, Dale Richards, who was
filmed surfing Vernon’s artworks. This film, along with the surfboards, are part
of Vernon’s unique exhibition piece.’
Vernon Ah Kee has been developed and produced by Silver Screen Pictures
under the Pacific Film & Television Commission’s Documentary Program, in
association with QPIX - the state screen development centre.
For interviews with Vernon Ah Kee or Alex Barnes please contact Alex on 0434
029 590 or alex@silverscreenpictures.com.au.
For interviews with Supervising Producer, Rebecca Fawcett or Executive
Director of QPIX, Kerry O’Rourke, please contact Camilla Roberts on the details
below.
QPIX
QPIX Ltd is a leading Australian centre for the development of the national
screen and media industry. The company develops and assists in the
production of film and TV content. It is focused on the development of
independent screen production and professionals. QPIX also operates the film
and television school QPIX Training. QPIX chairs the national industry network
Screen Development Australia (SDA), comprised of 6 development centres
nationally. QPIX's goal is to build an innovative and globally competitive
Australian screen industry.
Camilla Roberts, Marketing Manager, QPIX Ltd, Phone 07 3392
2633
www.qpix.org.au camilla@qpix.org.au