Rosi Griffin, Albatross 2021, watercolour on paper, 76 x 56cm. Image courtesy the artist.

Modern Beloved,  a new exhibition by artist Rosi Griffin which explores the Gold Coast’s architectural history, will open at the Tweed Regional Gallery on Friday 23 September.

The body of work documents the suburban development of the 1950s and ‘60s – the mid-century modern buildings dotted along the Gold Coast. The artist’s aim is to celebrate our architectural heritage and cultivate an appreciation of our history.

The exhibition includes a range of watercolour paintings of existing homes – some are well known icons and others are hidden along the Coast.

All are filled with character, colour and architectural interest, featuring generous, large windows, lush gardens, and views to and from the landscape or the ocean – set against a backdrop of vivid blue sky.

“We are experiencing a revival and renewed appreciation of our mid-century history, yet most of these buildings are under-represented on heritage registers, still vulnerable and at risk of disappearing; old enough to be unstylish but not old enough to be worth preserving,” Griffin said.

Griffin also zooms in on the Besser Block walls, to their individual geometric patterns. These formal designs are further explored and re-interpreted in painting and materials including fluorescent and mirrored Perspex.

The individual modern geometric designs have been reinvigorated and injected with new meaning.

“Rosi’s bright and colourful works distinctly evoke the heat of the Queensland sun and reflect the rise of Surfers Paradise in the post-war era,” Gallery Director Susi Muddiman OAM said.

“The exhibition is bound to encourage a greater appreciation of these unassuming mid-century beauties.”

Modern Beloved is on display at Tweed Regional Gallery from Friday 23 September until Sunday 27 November 2022.

Meet the Artist | Sunday 25 September | 2 pm – 3 pm | Free Join Rosi Griffin for insights into her practice and the exhibition Modern Beloved . Stay afterwards for an informal chat and light refreshments in the Gallery Foyer.   Booking recommended: rgriffin.eventbrite.com.au.

ART PLAY School Holiday Program Wednesday 28 & Friday 30 Sep, Wednesday 5 & Friday 7 Oct | 11 am – 1 pm | Free   Join our facilitators in the Gallery Foyer for a free drop-in activity inspired by Modern Beloved .

Rosi Griffin, Beautiful View 2022, watercolour on paper, 46 x 57.5cm.

Photo 1: Rosi Griffin - Albatross Rosi Griffin, Albatross 2021, watercolour on paper, 76 x 56cm. Image courtesy the artist.

Photo 2: Rosi Griffin - Beautiful View  Rosi Griffin, Beautiful View 2022, watercolour on paper, 46 x 57.5cm.

Stay up to date with Council’s latest news and updates, follow us on social media or subscribe to get all the news direct to your inbox.

Call 02 6670 2136 or email for all media or interview requests.

Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre 2 Mistral Road (corner of Tweed Valley Way, Murwillumbah South) PO Box 816 Murwillumbah, NSW 2484

The Gallery is open from Wednesday to Sunday 10 am to 5 pm (Café 8:30 am to 4 pm).

Phone: 02 6670 2400 Email: tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au

Open: Monday to Friday Front counters: 9 am - 4 pm Phones: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm NSW time

View all our social media channels

Tweed Shire Council wishes to recognise the generations of the local Aboriginal people of the Bundjalung Nation who have lived in and derived their physical and spiritual needs from the forests, rivers, lakes and streams of this beautiful valley over many thousands of years as the traditional custodians of these lands.