Michael McWilliams exhibition extended due to overwhelming demand
Image: Gentle Protagonist: Art of Michael McWilliams exhibition, QVMAG
The first public exhibition of much-loved Tasmanian artist Michael McWilliams at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG) has been extended until 25 May due to public demand.
In addition to this extension, an interactive virtual tour of the exhibition is now available on the QVMAG website, extending its reach to audiences everywhere, from remote and regional schools to art lovers around Australia and the world.
In development for more than two years, Gentle Protagonist: Art of Michael McWilliams brings together 100 works from McWilliams’ 34-year career. His detailed, quirky and whimsical landscapes feature Tasmanian wildlife and introduced species, often carrying a darker observation about the impact of humans on the environment.
City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the exhibition had been a major drawcard for the local community and visitors to the City of Launceston.
"Visitor feedback on this world class exhibition at QVMAG has been outstanding," Mayor Garwood said. "If you've seen it already, come back, bring your friends and spread the word. It's a truly unique opportunity to see these artworks."
Most of the works on display are on loan from private homes and collections around Australia.
QVMAG Director Shane Fitzgerald said this makes it a true “once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
“We’re very grateful for the support from collectors who have generously allowed us to extend the exhibition by two months,” Fitzgerald said.
"Michael is incredibly loved by collectors and indeed anyone who has seen his work. Extending the exhibition period means we can welcome even more interstate and repeat visitors to experience it.
"On top of that, we can now extend the audience for this survey of Michael's work to remote audiences through a stunning virtual tour. Virtual art tours are offered by major institutions around the world and QVMAG is proud to join them in sharing great art with more people."
More than 25,000 people have visited the exhibition since it opened in mid-December 2024, and more than 500 people attended the opening night.
Companion book available soon
The much-anticipated survey publication exploring Michael McWilliams’ life and art is due for release on 24 May and pre-orders are close to selling out. Admirers of McWilliams’ work can visit the Art Gallery at Royal Park or email enquiries@qvmag.tas.gov.au to be added to the pre-order list.
One of Australia’s most successful and widely recognised artists, McWilliams was awarded the inaugural Glover Prize in 2004 and has been a finalist 12 times. He also won the South Australian Museum’s Waterhouse Natural History Art Prize in 2005 and 2008 and was a finalist in the 2008 Wynne Prize and the 2016 Archibald Prize.
Gentle Protagonist: Art of Michael McWilliams is open until Sunday 25 May 2025 at the Queen Victoria Art Gallery, 2 Wellington Street, Launceston. Free entry.
To view the virtual tour of the exhibition, visit: https://www.qvmag.tas.gov.au/Whats-on/Art-Gallery-at-Royal-Park/Gentle-Protagonist-Art-of-Michael-McWilliams
To see what’s on at QVMAG, visit www.qvmag.tas.gov.au