In the vibrant halls of Griffith University’s Visual Arts department, Mandy Quadrio, Susan Hawkins and Jan Oliver found themselves drawn to the immersive world of creative expression, each with their own unique talents and aspirations.
Mandy and Susan crossed paths as undergraduate students in Griffith University’s Visual Arts program in 2014. Mandy was pursuing a Bachelor of Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art (CAIA), infusing her creations with cultural depth and ancestral resonance. Meanwhile, Susan was enrolled in a Bachelor of Fine Arts, breathing life into her artistic visions by skilfully shaping repurposed materials into sculptures. Jan made the trio as a tutor at the Gummurri Student Support Centre, offering guidance and support. In particular, Jan's presence served as a support and anchor for Mandy, sparking a lifelong friendship.
“As an Indigenous Australian I chose Griffith University because it was and still is the only university in Australia offering a specific contemporary visual arts course for Indigenous Australians” Mandy explained. Susan says, “I chose Griffith University because it provided studies where I was able to explore the dynamic visual art program offered by the College.”
“Susan and I began to seek each other out for critical discussions and dialogues as we journeyed through a variety of studio spaces,” stated Mandy. One moment stands out amidst their shared memories at Griffith University: Mandy completed an installation in the neighbouring Southbank Parklands waterway, supported in the background by Jan and Susan. Jan encouraged Mandy to take a bold approach, while Susan documented the installation, and the installation became a symbol of their collective courage and artistic synergy.
Together, the trio attended many exhibitions, including the Queensland College of Arts and Design (QCAD) Graduation Shows, which fuelled their spirited and vigorous critiques. All three cherished the mutual support they offered each other. Jan says “I love that we support each other in our lives generally and that we give fearless critique of each other’s artworks.”
Their collaboration has continued over the years. Jan and Mandy initially worked together in a tutor-student relationship, which formally concluded when Mandy completed her Doctorate in 2021. Their collaborative efforts flourished further, with Susan and Jan having their first collaborative exhibition at Milani CARPARK Gallery in 2022, and Mandy and Jan collaborating on work for the Tamworth Textile Triennial in 2023.
Fast-forward to the present day, and the trio has evolved into accomplished artists and educators. As practicing and exhibiting artists, Susan and Mandy have also taken on roles as educators at QCAD, enriching the next generation. Meanwhile, Jan has retired from formal university teaching but remains actively involved in the artistic community alongside Susan and Mandy. Whether working as a duo or a trio, they continue to explore new artistic horizons and push the boundaries of their creativity.
Over the past two years, their collaborative efforts have blossomed, leading to numerous gallery exhibitions. Their first collaborative exhibition was at the University of the Sunshine Coast in 2023, followed by an iteration at the Cairns Courthouse Gallery in 2024. The exhibition is titled “Compositional Utterances.” This showcase highlights the culmination of profound dialogue and collaborative efforts between the trio, marking a significant milestone in their creative endeavours. Drawing from their chosen materials Mandy incorporates sea grass, bull kelp and ochres significant to her Trawlwoolway heritage alongside steel wool, Susan reimagines reclaimed industrial and domestic objects to evoke sound and movement, while Jan manipulates surface texts, including crumpled paper and lead.
Through their shared journey at Griffith University and beyond, Mandy, Susan, and Jan exemplify the transformative power of friendship and creativity in the world of art, and their journeys are still unfolding.
Currently, Susan is attending the 2024 Venice Biennale, Mandy is preparing to unveil her latest creations in Tasmania, and Jan is orchestrating a collaborative exhibition proposal for new works they have been discussing. Living in close proximity allows them to regularly visit each other’s studios, where they persistently inspire, collaborate, challenge, and elevate each other’s artistic endeavours.
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