The strong regional identity of Queensland architecture has
been put on display, the State Library of Queensland launching the exhibition ‘Hot
Modernism: building modern Queensland 1945–75’.
To run until 12 October, 2014, State Librarian Janette
Wright said the exhibition would celebrate and reflect upon the state’s
colourful history and its enduring vision for Queensland living.
“Prior to World War Two, Queensland architecture had a
strong regional identity, influenced by climate, colonial background and
frugality. After the war, people began to embrace a new optimism which led to
changes in lifestyle and in turn new architecture,” she said.
“Informed by modernist principles, a greater connection to
the world, and a desire for a new way of living, architects re-evaluated the
idea of sub-tropical and tropical living. It was an exciting period, and a time
that can be best described as ‘hot’ — hot in design, hot in colour, and hot in
debate.”
Visitors to the Hot Modernism exhibition will be able to
walk through a full-scale re-creation of a 1957 house, take a seat in a 1960s
living room and examine 3D architectural models, original drawings and
historical photographs from the time.
Hot Modernism will also host a number of interactive events
that explore and showcase the changing face of the Queensland landscape and
Queensland’s changing lifestyle.
Organisers describe the off-the-grid events, held on Friday
nights on site at State Library, as a ‘social soiree meets design studio, meets
think tank, and will challenge you to get hands on and build your own future
city vision using recycled materials courtesy of Reverse Garbage’.
Saturday 18 August sees a special event in the unique
setting of the mid-century modernist Eisenmenger House in suburban Brisbane,
with comedian Tim Ross presenting his stand-up show Man About the House, where
design, comedy and music collide.
The exhibition program promises to reveal the stories of the
people who created, worked and lived in the buildings of this period, stories
that contribute to the greater patchwork that makes up the tale of Queensland.
Hot Modernism is the outcome of a partnership between State
Library and The University of Queensland along with support from the Australia
Research Council Linkage Project funding.
For full program details, visit www.slq.qld.gov.au/hot-modernism