Brisbanians desperate to avoid the heat which lies oppressively over us? Head to the Gallery of Modern Art where the APT Triennial is on until May in air conditioned galleries which are free to each and everyone.

Friends in the Northern Hemisphere enjoy your low temps and the art work just as coolly.

https://www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/exhibition/the-11th-asia-pacific-triennial-of-contemporary-art-apt11

So much on offer from a wider geographical sphere then ever before taking in works from Asia, the Pacific but also Saudi Arabia, Timor Leste and Uzbekistan.There is an abundance of very fine art, be it steeped in tradition, stepping on the boundaries of creativity and innovation, using digital technology, mixing history with modern day and serving it up beautifully curated in these galleries. Choosing but a few I start with Raymond Tong Tangiday from the Philippines “”Once upon a pre colonial time” An exquisite wooden piece complete with mother holding baby up high, a goddess of the underworld, representing the universality of those on the move, whether seeking a homeland or navigating between this world and the next.

I loved the woven wonders – there were many and I admired the craftsmanship and the way women came together and continued to create and weave patterns and pieces which are artful and delicate as well as useful and commonplace. This suzani created by Madina Kasimbaeva from Uzbekistan was a joy to behold. Suzanis are created with the birth of a daughter. They combine folklore, myths and symbolism of Uzbekistan’s pre Islamic history.Madina uses dyes from natural ingredients, nutshells, saffron and onion skins, indigo and salt to colour the silk.

Looking at the world through the eye of a tornado.

The amazing ikat weaves where every thread is specially dyed. The technique of ikat, – involves binding the threads of dye-resistant material, and then dyeing them before they are woven. Dont ask me to explain it more. It is baffling and amazing.

Tondaan boats and food covers by Rhudsia Jamih Mohammad exhibiting her magnificent skills from the Philippines.

Weaving and bag making from PNG art collective Haus Yuriyal.

Haji Oh is a 3rd generation of Japan’s Zainichi Korean Community. She uses weaving to explore themes of dispossession, dispersion and migration as in this one entitled Seabird Habitats, 2022, an exquisite single tableau of woven panels that map Korean history. Past and present come together and new less exploitative relationships are imagined.

Salima Saway Agra An, from the Philippines created a series of paintings using ochres from her ancestral soils of Mindanao. A golden jar, a symbol of law and justice which also guides care for natural resources.

A wealth of wonder, creativity and culture.