Last Seen Multi-Sensory Exhibition

Last Seen is a poignant exhibition and performance in Brisbane, which presents 10 Australians ‘last memories of sight’ captured on canvas and in composition by a collaboration of talented artists and composers. Presented by the Eye Institute Foundation and Griffith University, it is an extraordinary and emotional multi-sensory showcase.

On a clear Brisbane evening on March 30, She Society were privileged to attend the launch party at the Griffith University Art Museum. Proceeds help the Queensland Eye Institute Foundation, the state’s largest independent academic institute devoted to eye-related health and disease, continue its sight saving research. There are over 13 million Australians living with chronic eye conditions and close to 500,000 living with a vision- impairment or blindness. Many of these cases are preventable or treatable if detected early.

The cocktail evening began with the well coiffed crowd meeting in the grounds of the Griffith University Art Museum. Here we were greeted by a string quartet and interesting films of the artistic process. As guests mingled we enjoyed a glass of wine and some delicious canapés – smoked duck, mini karaage chicken burgers, beetroot and feta bites and mushroom arancini catered by Moo Moo Bar & Grill. After being welcomed to country and by our speakers it was time to explore the exhibition. I found it very moving to learn about the stories of these ten vision-impaired artists, their journeys and the artists who had collaborated with them. 

We heard about Jane Britt, an accomplished classical pianist, clarinettist, singer and disability advocate. Already suffering from congenital rubella syndrome, her vision was further impacted by glaucoma at 22. Jane, who is a music graduate from the Queensland Conservatorium and arts and psychology graduate of the University of Queensland and the Australian National University, described her memories of Christmas. As a 15 – year – old she spent Christmas in Sorrento, Italy. She remembers the church bells pealing, horse drawn carriages and Christmas lunch. 

Jane was paired with artist, Rick Everingham. Rick has established himself as a successful and respected Australian artist. Since his first show in 1970, he has held numerous exhibitions and international shows. His paintings are defined by a sense of subtle light and feeling for the peaceful ambience of particular places. His love of reflections, patinas on walls and interesting windows and doors has persisted as subject matter from the beginning of his career. 

Rick’s annual painting trips to Italy fuelled his passion for Italian culture and in 1999 he and his wife bought a house in a small Tuscan village. Sounds like the perfect pairing to me.

Rick said, “Jane’s strength impressed me. I was determined to do her painting justice. One painting evolved into a series of researched ‘postcards ‘capturing the beauty of Sorrento and the memories that Jane cherishes.”

Another poignant story was that of Michael Lyddiard, former Australian army soldier, who was dismantling a Taliban – made improvised explosive (IED). It detonated taking his right arm below the elbow, his right eye and part of his left hand. Michael vividly remembers that afternoon in 2007. 

Michael’s last visual memories are of the moments before and after the explosion: the peaceful hut and green landscape suddenly charred dirt and blood. The colours in Michael’s piece created with Kym Hart tell the story. 

Michael is now an Occupational Therapist, with a specific interest in veterans who have suffered physical and psychological injuries. Also an endurance athlete, Michael won three gold and two silver medals at the 2017 Invictus Games. An Ambassador for the charity ‘ Soldier On’ , Michael was a finalist in the 2017 Queensland Australian of the Year Awards. 

Artist, Kym Hart, was inspired to become an artist by her internationally acclaimed father Pro Hart, whose teachings and influence adorn his walls. Kym’s own paintings are now in many private collections both here and overseas. She has developed her talents to paint in a range of styles and mediums sharing an intriguing mix of fantasy, surrealism and realism. Kym’s artistry is drawn from her travels. However it’s the landscape around her home town of Broken Hill that provides most inspiration, with its rich history and vivid colours.  

You will be mesmerised with jazz and blues artist, Dr Jeff Usher’s memory of his last school trip. He collaborated with landscape artist, Meredith Howse for the special piece, Fifteen. Jeff has an affinity with the number 15 and you can spy this influence throughout the painting. Look closely!

Oliver Fanshawe collaborated with artist, Gary Miles. The rich hues of blues and orange in this painting conjure up Oliver’s last memory of visiting the Grand Canyon. Then there is Senior Developer at a tech company, Eleanor Lee who worked with landscape painter, Naomi White to depict a colourful day out at Canberra’s Floriade. Eleanor recalled the brisk winter mornings and the fields of vibrant orange, yellow and red tulips. 

Ten different memories, ten amazing Australians and ten wonderful artists combined to create an exhibition like no other. I loved being able to touch the Braille versions of the works, to hear the soundscapes and watch videos of the process involved. Each story and painting is as unique as the artist who painted them. 

To see this wonderful interactive and multi sensory exhibition you can head to Grey Street Gallery, Queensland College of Art from the 18 – 29 April 2023. All works are available for purchase through auctions and online and you can buy tickets to a concert sharing the musical compositions. The proceeds go towards the Queensland Eye Institute Foundation so that they may help even more Australians.

This lovely exhibition will make you stop and wonder what our most memorable vision of the world would be if our own sight deteriorated and will simply remind you to cherish your sight every single day. 

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