About the Course

QPIX Doco heads to the Venice Biennale

In June this year, artist Vernon Ah Kee will be the first Indigenous Australian living in Queensland to exhibit his artwork at the highly prestigious 53^rd Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition. This ground-breaking experience will be recorded by Silver Screen Pictures in association with QPIX, as part of the new documentary, Vernon Ah Kee.

Executive Director of QPIX, Kerry O’Rourke says ‘QPIX and Silver Screen Pictures are working together to capture Vernon Ah Kee’s incredible artistic career culminating in the Venice Biennale.  Many Australians, whether involved with the arts or not, will appreciate what an outstanding achievement this is.’

Vernon Ah Kee says of his recent selection, 'I'm really excited to be exhibiting in Venice. It is a major highlight of my career and I hope my work will be well received.'

Rebecca Fawcett, Supervising Producer on the documentary, Vernon Ah Kee says 'QPIX has sponsored the Vernon Ah Kee film crew to travel with Vernon and his family to Venice. The crew will capture the many highlights of the Venice Biennale including the glamorous opening events, the networking and the acclaim on an international stage.’

‘Vernon Ah Kee will also explore the behind-the-scenes struggles and pressures of the Biennale, from having to ship and install large artworks in a foreign country at one of the world’s most venerated art exhibitions, to facing the criticism of the art world’s elite. ‘ Rebecca says.

Vernon Ah Kee Director, Alex Barnes says  ‘Vernon's work is highly thought-provoking. His work for the Venice Biennale is a masterful interlacing of Aussie surf and indigenous cultures. Using surfboards as canvases for his art Vernon has collaborated with Gold Coast indigenous surfer, Dale Richards, who was filmed surfing Vernon’s artworks. This film, along with the surfboards, are part of Vernon’s unique exhibition piece.’

Vernon Ah Kee has been developed and produced by Silver Screen Pictures under the Pacific Film  & Television Commission’s Documentary Program, in association with QPIX - the state screen development centre.

The film crew is seeking sponsorship of their airfares so that they can document this momentous achievement and share the story with the world.

For interviews or more information please contact Camilla Roberts on Camilla@qpix.org.au or 3392 2633.

QPIX

QPIX runs the TV training course GEN TV.  QPIX Ltd is a leading Australian centre for the development of the national screen and media industry. The company develops and assists in the production of film and TV content. It is focused on the development of independent screen production and professionals. QPIX also operates the film and television school QPIX Training.  QPIX chairs the national industry network Screen Development Australia (SDA), comprised of 6 development centres nationally.  QPIX's goal is to build an innovative and globally competitive Australian screen industry.