Rockhampton Regional Council

04/29/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/28/2024 18:34

A different side of beef!

A different side of beef!

Published on 29 April 2024

Rockhampton showgrounds will shortly be the focus of Australia's biggest Beef expo, but just down the road, Rockhampton Museum of Art will be displaying a different side of beef.

The exhibitionFernando do Campo: Capricornian Minotaurs and Where to Find Themis a deep dive into the social history of beef and agriculture in the region.

Created by Argentina-born artist Fernando do Campo, it displays beef industry archival material and memorabilia alongside his own paintings and wall sculptures.

His paintings in the exhibition are inspired by artworks from the RMOA Collection, all selected for their agrarian themes.

He has also created a series of wall sculptures that are fashioned into the shape of escarapelas, a type of ribbon worn to express Argentine national pride, chosen also for their similarity to prize bull ribbons. The escarapelas are made from old school uniforms, high school graduation jerseys, sporting medals, lifesaving club uniforms that were saved by his family.

Originally from Argentina, one of the world largest beef producing nations, do Campo spent his formative years in Rockhampton, completing his high school years in the beef capital.

To prepare for the exhibition, he conducted research in Rockhampton (Rockhampton & District Historical Society, Rockhampton History Centre at Rockhampton Region Library, Australian Brahman Breeders Association) and elsewhere (Brisbane and Sydney headquarters of the Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union AMIEU). These organisations have loaned some of their old photos, parade banners, marketing material and more for display in the exhibition.

Rockhampton Regional Council Communities and Heritage spokesperson Cr Drew Wickerson encouraged visitors and locals to attend the exhibition.

"Council is extremely excited that Beef 2024 is anticipated to attract more than 100 000 visitors to the Rockhampton Region. Importantly, this outstanding event will also provide a wonderful opportunity to showcase the vibrant social history of the beef industry while highlighting its significance to Rockhampton, Australia's Beef Capital," he said.

Fernando do Campo: Capricornia Minotaurs and Where to Find Themis on display at Rockhampton Museum of Art until 23 June. Entry is free. For more information visit rmoa.com.au

Rockhampton Museum of Art is owned and operated by Rockhampton Regional Council.

IMAGE:
Cr Drew Wickerson and Rockhampton Museum of Art Director Jonathan McBurnie in front of some of the escarapelas in Fernando do Campo: Capricornia Minotaurs and Where to Find Them.