Curator to creator: Artist returns to UniSQ to showcase groundbreaking work

Renowned Australian artist Kathryn Brimblecombe-Fox has returned to where her career was shaped with her latest art exhibition now on show at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ).

Drone: Ghosts and Shadows explores the hidden yet powerful role of technology in modern warfare and global connectivity, with Dr Brimblecombe-Fox urging viewers to reflect on the dangers of our interconnected world.

“These paintings are my way of using my research to raise awareness of individual, national, and global risks in a hyperconnected world,” Dr Brimblecombe-Fox said.

“They are works of art that invite people to think critically about the impact of modern technologies on individual, national, and global security.”

Dr Brimblecombe-Fox, who has exhibited work internationally, is deeply committed to using her art to stimulate reflection and discussion on global issues.

“I aim to create spaces for imagination where viewers can fly above our world and see the invisible forces shaping our daily lives in the hope that it raises awareness about the vulnerabilities and risks we face in this hyperconnected age,” she said.

“While technology holds tremendous potential for positive outcomes, it also exposes us to significant threats, which we must address for the sake of human flourishing.”

The opening also reflects Dr Brimblecombe-Fox’s journey with UniSQ and marks the fulfillment of a long-held dream to exhibit in the University's gallery.

“I was the first curator of the University art collection in the early 1990s, so being back on campus has been a nostalgic experience,” she said.

"It has allowed me to reflect on my personal journey, from attending McGregor Summer Schools to curating the art collection, to now showing my work at an institution that has shaped my life in many ways.”

This exhibition not only marks a milestone in her career but also highlights the ongoing connection she feels to the university that has been integral to her artistic and professional growth.

“The University’s current Art Curator Brodie Taylor has done a remarkable job in bringing together this exhibition,” she said.

“His keen eye and understanding of the themes behind the work made it all come together in a way that resonates with both the University and the broader community.”

Drone: Ghosts and Shadows is open to the public until Friday 4 April 2025.