Bio
Amy Vowles is a multi-disciplinary visual artist based in Gimuy (Cairns). Her practice investigates the surreal reality of the climate crisis experienced by floodplain centred communities in Far North Queensland.
Inspired by intertidal cycles, flood events and corrosion of coastal and wetland suburbs, Vowles explores the transience of place through biomorphic form, ephemeral materiality, and immersive experience across painting, sculpture and installation. By drawing from research on climate change, urban development on flood plains, archival, personal and collective memory of place, her work navigates the complexities of grieving lost land and senses of future security while honoring deep connections to place, despite continued exploitation. By highlighting the psychological and environmental impacts of climate change, her practice advocates for increased environmental awareness and ethical responsibility in protecting vulnerable ecosystems and communities who live on edges of climate catastrophe.
CV
EDUCATION
2018 - 2021 - Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art) (Distinction), Queensland University of
Technology
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2024 – The Lightness of Being, Queensland College of Art, Grey Street Gallery
2023 - Expanse, Land Street Gallery
RESIDENCIES / MENTORSHIPS
2025 - The Path, mentorship program facilitated by Kelly O’ Dempsey
2025 - Bios Infera, group residency, Backbone Youth Arts
2023 - solo residency and open studio, House Conspiracy
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2026 - Brisbane Rotary Art Award, Brisbane (upcoming)
2026 - Between Us, The Old Ambulance Station, Nambour
2026 - Analog, Scrap Haus Collective, Brisbane
2025 - 50 Artist Drawing Exhibition, Land Street Gallery
2025 - Regrowth, Flying Colours, Brisbane
2023 - Launch Exhibition, Nest Creative Space Meanjin
2023 - Corporeality in Motion, Vent Space, Emergence Collective
2022 - Future State, Vent Space, Emergence Collective
2021 – 57 Walls (Graduate Visual Art Showcase), Queensland University of Technology
2021 – A House is Not a Home, House Conspiracy, Brisbane
2020 – QUT Art and Design Showcase, Brisbane Art and Design Festival, Brisbane
2019 – Small Works Art Prize, Brunswick Street Gallery, Melbourne
PUBLIC ART COMMISSIONS
2022 - 2025 - Stage mural design, Kuranda Roots
2024 – Bios Ante, Pitch Festival, Melbourne
2023 - 2025 Stage mural design, Earth Frequency Festival
2022 - 2024 - Stage design, Island Vibe Festival
2018 - Common Wealth Games Public Art Commission, Cairns
COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS
2025 - Bios - Infera, multidisciplinary live performance, exhibited at Backbone Festival
2023 - 2024 – Bios Ante, multidisciplinary live performance, exhibited at Pitch Music & Arts +
Expanse, Land Street Gallery
2022 – Foetus Dance Party in the Womb Room, multimedia immersive installation, exhibited
at QUT Visual Art & Design Showcase, BAD Festival, Queensland University of Technology
AWARDS
2022 – Recipient of NAVA Ignition Prize
2017 – Bursary of Excellence in Visual Arts (Oxlade’s), Business Liaison Association, Cairns
2017 – Bursary of Excellence in Visual Arts (REACH Arts), Business Liaison Association, Cairns