In the spirit of artistic and educational exchange, architecture graduate and artist Michael Barnett has donated one of his paintings to the University of Queensland in recognition of the benefit obtained from his studies in architecture.
He has returned to the University to undertake research and has been awarded the Bligh Voller postgraduate research scholarship.
Mr Barnett is using the $15,000-a-year scholarship for two years, funded by architectural firm Bligh Voller Nield, to support his PhD research at the University.
He is examining the correlation between curatorial protocols that apply to the exhibition of site-specific artworks and the incorporation of architectural design into project managed construction contracts.
He will specifically focus on conflict between requirements for technical intervention, where they become necessary, and the issue of the integrity of the work of art.
Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay unveiled Mr Barnett's colourful donation Developlicity on October 10 in the exhibition space of the Zelman Cowen Building, where it now hangs.
'This work presents a theme which I believe is very consistent with the experience of architects,' Mr Barnett said.
Depicting a theme of development, the painting was exhibited in 1990 in a solo exhibition at the Ray Hughes Gallery in Sydney.
Mr Barnett's other paintings in the same series are part of the Queensland Art Gallery's permanent collection.
He graduated bachelor of architecture with first class honours in 1983.
In 1984, he was awarded the A.E. Brooks Travelling Scholarship which enabled him visit significant architecture sites and monuments in the USA, UK and Europe.
He has been employed by the Queensland Art Gallery for the past eight years, initially to design modifications to the Gallery's modular wall systems, and more recently as a logistical planner for major exhibitions.
These have included the recent Renoir, Matisse, Asia Pacific Triennials and Paris in the late 19th century exhibitions.
For further information contact Mr Barnett on telephone 07 3840 7163.
