Resident artist an Alpha man

CQUniversity’s new artist-in-residence, Alpha-born artist Luke Roberts, wants to strengthen the university’s community involvement as well as research the themes surrounding the name of his home town.

Allan Reinikka

CQUNIVERSITY artist-in-residence Luke Roberts may have exhibited his works all over the world, but he has never forgotten his roots.

The Alpha-born visual and performance artist is interested in exploring the different sides of his home town during his one-year tenure.

Mr Roberts is the first to take on the role and is eager to strengthen the university's involvement with the community.

“The university is very keen on community engagement,” Mr Roberts said.

The artist believes that cultural activities can “immediately” bring people together.

Mr Roberts is no stranger to working in Rockhampton, having been the artist-in-residence at the Walter Reid Centre in 2006.

Mr Roberts favoured media are photography, installation and performance art, and last year he was labelled “Queensland's most eccentric contemporary artist”.

His work has been exhibited at the National Gallery of Australia and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Madrid, and he was previously the Australian Fellow, resident artist, at PS1, Institute of Contemporary Art, New York.

As well as working with members of the community, Mr Roberts will produce works from a studio at Quay Street's Ron Smyth Building.

During his tenure, Mr Roberts also hopes to research some work closer to his home town. He is keen to explore themes associated with the word “Alpha” as well as look at one of the town's better-known visiting artists.

English-born watercolour painter Harriet Jane Neville-Rolfe visited family at the Alpha Station in the 1880s, and produced dozens of works of the area around the Central Queensland town.

Mr Roberts is preparing for a solo show at the Institute of Modern Art in Brisbane in conjunction with the Australian Centre for Photography, Sydney.

Central Queensland will feature heavily in his works for this exhibition.

Mr Roberts's arrival was celebrated in Rockhampton last week for a meet and greet and a look at his upcoming work.