creativehistories

The Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum is a surprising gem to find in a regional centre. It was established as a private museum by John and Else Meyers using  much of John’s own extensive collection. The museum is now a public trust, and the collection has been added to by generous donation and further collecting.This important collection interprets military campaigns and aspects of Australia’s colonial history. It is housed in a magnificent old warehouse style building near the wharf area in Maryborough, and contains many significant objects.

The museum is staffed by volunteers and is very much a part of the local community.

As part of the Collective Insites project digital artist Peta Duggan will be interpreting the collection in her own inimitable style.

Peta  is a local resident of Maryborough who likes to manipulate images of  everyday objects and shapes in her work.   Her imagination leads her to find hidden meanings and satire of a dark nature reflected in many of her images.  She says ” humans can be seen as  concepts and intrigue of the imagination, where space, time and thought are one ”

It will be interesting to see what Peta makes of the museum and what the museum makes of her. It is certainly not a conventional mix, and John Meyers from the museum is to be congratulated in his willingness to participate in the project, and to allow an emerging artist working in new technologies full reign in his museum. Peta’s mind is already racing ahead with the possibilities. She says, after her first visit:

“As I walked into the old historical building in Wharf Street Maryborough, in Queensland, my senses were filled with awe…Not only is this building, built in the 1800’s, the military collection is the most highly prized museum in –as to be so bold!  in Queensland, and even bolder! Possibly more impressive than the National war museum located in Canberra (1991 visit).”

Peta’s work will be part of the Collective Insites exhibition at Gatakers Artspace in May, and she will be having a solo exhibition at the gallery later in the year.