Artist in Residence: Dylan Bolger

Museum of Brisbane welcomes First Nations multidisciplinary artist Dylan Bolger, Artist in Residence from October 8 to late November. 

The artist will embark on a residency for over six weeks, transforming Museum of Brisbane’s Dome Gallery into his studio to create an ambitious 10-panel drawing, representing the 100th and final intricately rendered piece in his ‘Leaf SZN’ series (2021-present).

A proud Maiawali, Karuwali, Pitta-Pitta and Gomeroi artist, Dylan works across a range of mediums and techniques with a focus on hand-drawn, highly detailed works, reflecting his background in architecture. His ‘Leaf SZN’ series stems from his introduction to the macaranga, a pioneer plant that is pivotal in the repopulation and regeneration of environmentally devastated areas, stimulating new growth and life.

In his works, Dylan renders the macaranga to symbolise the resilience of First Nations people who continue to thrive amidst the enduring legacies of colonisation.

“I was toying with the idea of recolonising the coloniser,” Dylan said of being drawn to the ancient macaranga plant in his works. “I use the macaranga leaf to represent my people and culture as part of being an ‘old-world genesis’ as we grow back through the devastation of colonisation. Each leaf becomes a different identity or representation of a different person within Mob.”

Leaf SZN' is part of his mission to recolonise Australia through art, pinning the travels of each piece in the series on a map. 

As the residency progresses, Dylan will transform the Dome Gallery to reflect his home studio, disrupting the gallery context and inviting visitors to witness and ask about his practice and process as he finalises this important body of work.

Museumgoers can also contribute to a collaborative community mural inspired by ‘Leaf SZN’ during select times of the residency.

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