2 March 2012
Hervey Bay Regional Gallery’s latest exhibition has car enthusiasts all revved up.
Visitors are flocking to the gallery to see Industrial Desire: Detroit Concept Cars, an exhibition that explores the secret world of cutting edge car design.
In a groundbreaking exhibition of models, drawings and film footage, Detroit’s gothic beauty and iconic futuristic cars are brought to life for the first time in Australia.
The show is setting aflutter the hearts of dedicated car-o-philes and passionate designers alike. Featuring nine quarter-scale models of fantastic concept vehicles including futuristic SUVs, muscle cars and cutting edge eco-friendly city cars, Industrial Desire takes you deep into the exciting and hidden world of car design.
“With the automotive industry on the verge of a massive shift it is timely to look at the creativity and optimism of the next generation of car designers,” said exhibition curator Leon Fitzpatrick.
An Australian-born industrial designer who studied in Detroit, Fitzpatrick has handpicked the exhibition pieces from Detroit’s College for Creative Studies, an international centre of excellence in transportation design.
“What we need out there are cars that ignite a sense of wonder, rather than the rolling appliances they have become,” says Fitzpatrick. “These models show there’s no reason why cars can’t be exciting, aesthetically pleasing and thoughtful all at the same time.”
But for wannabe car creators, think again. You have a better chance at becoming a high-paid sports star, neurosurgeon or CEO than an automotive designer. With less than a few thousand car designers globally, it counts as one of the world’s most competitive and secretive careers.
Industrial Desire is a fascinating exhibition for people of all ages, merging craft and design in a new and innovative way.
The exhibition is presented by artisan in partnership with the College for Creative Studies, Detroit, and toured by Museum and Gallery Services Queensland.
Industrial Desire: Detroit Concept Cars is on view until 24 March at Hervey Bay Regional Gallery, 161 Old Maryborough Road, Pialba (in the same complex as Hervey Bay Library).
The gallery is open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday and entry is free. For enquiries, please telephone 4197 4210.
