Narrative in Detail

Narrative in Detail

Dogwood Crossing, Miles

John Mullins Memorial Art Gallery

The longstanding friendship between Queensland artists Kate Beard and Karina Devine is built on their mutual love for art, travel, and living in a close-knit community. Although their careers have taken them to different places, both remain deeply committed to their craft and to their bond with each other.

Beard’s vibrant acrylic paintings transform her personal memories into dynamic visual stories, employing layers of richly coloured glazes to create depth and emotion. In contrast, Devine’s mixed media works intricately weave together joyful experiences of home and meaningful connections, characterised by a juxtaposition of collage and “maximalist” detail. Despite their stylistic differences, both artists share a foundation in storytelling, with their works reflecting the beauty and lessons of life through uniquely identifiable techniques.

Their recent works, marked by vibrant colours and layered narratives, reveal a common thematic thread as each artist portrays the journey of their lives in her own way.

EXHIBITION DATES 
28 March – 23 May 2026

Image: (top L) Kate Beard | A street in Switzerland 2025 | Acrylic on canvas | 609mm x 457mm
(top R): Karina Devine | Sarlat laneway (detail) 2025 | Mixed media on canvas | 630mm x 630mm