Discovery Collection 23/24: In Conversation with Raymond Arnold

Join renowned Tasmanian artist Raymond Arnold for a discussion about his recently acquired works at QVMAG.

In this engaging session, participants will converse with celebrated printmaker Raymond Arnold, whose works have been generously donated to QVMAG. The discussion will explore Arnold’s art practice, which is deeply connected to his place of residence, while addressing themes of global significance. In addition, the talk will explore the importance of museum and gallery collections in preserving cultural heritage.

This event is part of a series examining the role of cultural collections from various perspectives. Speakers will share their personal experiences and journeys as artists, collectors and donors, highlighting their unique contributions to the collection.

About the artist

Born in Victoria in 1950, Raymond Arnold moved to Tasmania in 1983, where he was deeply inspired by the island’s natural environment. Over his career, he has established himself as an internationally renowned printmaker and painter and is regarded as one of Tasmania's most significant artists of the past 30 years. Arnold’s work forms a vital part of the discourse on the intersection of land and art in Tasmania, presenting the rugged beauty of the landscape and addressing the pressing issues of its past, present, and future.

In 2006, Arnold founded Landscape Art Research Queenstown (LARQ), a non-profit studio and gallery in the mining town of Queenstown in western Tasmania. LARQ aims to create a "wilderness" art space with an embedded residency program, serving as a hub for both Arnold’s artistic practice and that of other artists who respond to the unique natural and cultural heritage of the region.

Arnold has held over 50 solo exhibitions and participated in numerous group shows across Australia, Europe, and the United States. His works are included in prestigious collections such as the Imperial War Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Bibliothèque Nationale and Musée Courbet in France, as well as the National Gallery of Australia, Australian Parliament House, and all state galleries in Australia.

About the exhibition

Explore recent acquisitions in QVMAG's collection and discover the unique stories behind each object.

Since 1842, QVMAG has been dedicated to showcasing Tasmania’s diverse natural and cultural heritage. As the largest regional collection in Australia with over 1.5 million objects, the Collection stands out for its scale and multidisciplinary focus.

The Discovery Collection 23/24 exhibition highlights a selection of acquisitions made over the past two years, including significant historical objects, rare natural specimens, and remarkable works of art by both established and emerging local artists.

Each object offers something unique to experience—whether valued for its originality, beauty, rarity, or historical significance.

The exhibition also offers insights into the often behind-the-scenes acquisition process, which plays a vital role in preserving the past and shaping the future.

Through its wide-ranging collection spanning natural sciences, history, and visual art, QVMAG continues to connect communities to Tasmania’s history while offering perspectives on future possibilities.

DISCOVERY COLLECTION 23/24
Art Gallery at Royal Park | 2 Wellington St, Launceston
28 September 2024 — 2 February 2025
Free entry | Open daily | 10am to 4pm | January 10 am-5pm

Image: exhibition image of Raymond Arnold's Synecdoche (1988), donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program by Stuart Purves AM, 2023. Photo: QVMAG.