Fiona Foley: Veiled Paradise

Veiled Paradise surveys three decades of Badtjala artist Dr. Fiona Foley’s practice.

This leading contemporary Aboriginal artist’s work is informed by her ancestral connection to K’gari/Fraser Island, drawing equally upon its serene beauty and the history of systemic violence and sexual exploitation perpetrated on its shores.

Incorporating original research around the Government- regulated opium trade and of the connection between sex and violence on the frontier and beyond, the artist refutes colonisation’s attempts to erase her people and their histories. Tirelessly, through painting, photography, film, sculpture and printmaking, Foley gives voice to the dispossessed.

Foley flips the lens of ethnography in the restaging of history and events in her artwork amplifying the voices and perspectives of Aboriginal people. She is empowered by her matrilineal lineage, illuminating the exploitation of Aboriginal women and outing everyday racism and sexism.

This is the first major survey of the artist’s practice initiated in Queensland, and curated by an Aboriginal researcher, writer and curator—Angelina Hurley.

‘Veiled Paradise’ features content that contains strong themes and language. Hervey Bay Regional Gallery would like to remind viewers that discretion is advised.

Access Resouces
Listen to audio descriptions of selected artworks. Audio descriptions are vivid verbal descriptions that make visual information accessible for people who are blind or have low vision and offer a new perspective for everyone.
Download video transcripts of moving image works in Veiled Paradise (PDF 1.9MB)

Image: Fiona Foley, The Magna Carta Tree #2 (detail) 2021. Inkjet print. Courtesy of the artist and Andrew Baker Art Dealer. Photo: Mick Richards.

Fiona Foley: Veiled Paradise is a QUT Galleries & Museums travelling exhibition.