Project Description
In 2024 we finalised a six-year-long project to repaint and preserve an artwork that has been in the Griffith University Art Collection since 1979.
The second public artwork commissioned by Griffith University, Alun Leach-Jones’s ‘Crossing to Capricorn’ (1979) has been installed in various locations at Brisbane South (Nathan) as the campus has expanded – the last of which was within the now decommissioned N13 building.
In 2024 Griffith University Art Museum (GUAM) offered student learning opportunities to students of the Queensland College of Art and Design’s (QCAD) Live Art course. Course convenor and artist Dr Simon Degroot collaborated with the GUAM team to deliver a structured programme of lectures and work-integrated learning opportunities that offered students a rare opportunity to work with the estate of a respected Australian artist to remake a major artwork in a new and highly visible location.
Now installed on the western façade of N06, the mural’s original media (acrylic on timber) has been replaced with long-lasting all-weather materials to allow for it to be hung externally, and ensure it remains on campus for the enjoyment of students and staff for many years to come.
Project Personnel and Beneficiaries
This project was spearheaded by Art Collection Manager Carrie McCarthy and the Griffith University Art Museum team, and supported by Dr Simon Degroot (convenor of QCAD Live Art), Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Scott Harrison, and Nicholas Thompson Gallery, Melbourne, who represent the estate of Alun Leach-Jones.
Outcomes to Date
19 student artists have been trained in a significant period of Australian art history, and received tangible skills in mural painting, public art commissioning, copyright, and artist liaison.
We have ensured that, over 40 years after its first iteration, ‘Crossing to Capricorn’ will become a central feature of the on-campus experience at Brisbane South (Nathan) campus, reaching new audiences and providing enjoyment for Griffth University staff and students.
List of students: Elsie Batley, Rachel Binuya, Tanya Clark, Caitlin Finucan, Jade Kelly, Brooke Killalea, Michael Verhoef, Sonja Coll, Phoebe Fleming, Kit Gilmour Vieiralopes, Charlotte Squire, Vidhi Patel, Ariana Rutene, Kate Avery, Ally Cassidy, Maddy Llewellyn, Geoff Moule, Jasmeen Sidhu, Matai Sisarich.
Project Significance
This project strengthens efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage. Through preserving and repainting a mural by Alun Leach-Jones. This important project to save ‘Crossing to Capricorn’ directly contributes to SGD 11.4 to ‘Protect the World’s Cultural and Natural Heritage’, strengthening Griffith Universities commitment to safeguard our local cultural heritage.
Through partnering with QCAD we contributed to SDG 4 ‘Quality Education’ by supplying equal access to affordable technical, vocational and higher education (SDG 4.3) and increase the number of people with relevant skills for financial success (SGD 4.4).