Small Object Spaces: Progressions
SOS @ SLQ | 10 September - 10 December 2026
Artist: Alison McDonald
Medium: Metal and small object design
Location: State Reference Library, Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Stanley Pl, Cultural Precinct. South Brisbane QLD 4101
Small Object Spaces
Centered around intimacy, tactility and the quiet presence of everyday materials, artisan's small object exhibition series brings together Queensland based artists working across textiles, ceramics and object-based practices. Small scale invites us to slow down looking where crafted detail and process hold focus.
Second Iteration
Progressions
The second iteration of Small Object Spaces features a renowned Townsville-based silversmith Alison McDonald's exquisite metal small objects.
Inspired by Annie Slade's 1884 collection British Marine Algae currently held within Sir Charles Maurice Yonge Collection, Mabo Library, Townsville Campus, Progressions puts us into Alison's profound perception of the organic textures and patterns found in this marine collection including seaweed, moss, lichen and rock.
In this exhibition you are invited to witness Alison's masterful reshaping of metal into intricate forms, using techniques such as chasing and repoussé, creating a contemplative space to ponder on the complexity of nature and consider our role within it.
With one of the featured works, Plate 23 (ii) Griffithsia Corallina vessel (2026), Alison won the 2025 Art for Life Award, the premier prize of Queensland Regional Arts Award (QRAA) at Flying Arts Alliance.
Artist
Alison McDonald
Alison McDonald’s 20-year practice is based in Townsville, North Queensland. Her art sits at the junction of consumer culture and environmental concern, ranging in size from microscopic jewellery to epic sculpture or installation.
Alison has exhibited in national and international contexts, including Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi and Strand Ephemera, Townsville. In 2025, she won the Art for Life Award with Queensland Regional Arts Awards. Her works are collected by Royal North Shore Hospital, Visy Education Centre, Perc Tucker Gallery, Townsville City Council’s Integrated Sustainability Services, CQUniversity, Energy Super’s Townsville Office, Monterey Bay Aquarium, California and Stadiums Queensland.
Alison completed her BVA (Hons) from James Cook University, then a Master of Art in Public Space at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. She has also had participated in an artist in residence program at Aberystwyth, United Kingdom, through an Arts Queensland Career Development Grant and Red Gate Gallery, Beijing. Alison taught Sculpture at James Cook University and TAFE North Queensland. She has previously toured a solo exhibition Wanton, Wild & Unimagined to 13 galleries around Australia.
Exhibition Catalogue
Learn more about the exhibited artworks here:
Image Credits
Plate 23 (ii) Griffithsia Corallina vessel, 2026. Hand raised copper (with a hammer from 1mm x 15cm flat disc) then chased with fine silver rim & patina 7.5 x 8 x 8cm. Image courtesy of Alison McDonald.
