Martin Rowney is a sculptor based in Queanbeyan, NSW.
Martin Rowney's sculptural practice explores
concepts of history, archaeology and identity. His works explore the idea that we all have an
individual history, that we all contribute to a collective historical narrative and that we all leave
our own distinctive cultural imprint on the landscape.
Martin works with sculptural assemblage using found and collected historical and archaeological objects to create sculptures which explore the objects historical and cultural context.
Martin’s sculptural practice draws inspiration from his professional practice as an archaeologist.
He has exhibited in solo exhibitions at Australian National University and Belconnen Arts Centre, a number of group shows in Canberra and Queanbeyan, and a range of public art exhibitions including the Sculpture by the Sea at Cottesloe,
Willoughby Sculpture Prize, North Sydney Art Prize, the University of Western Sydney Sculpture Prize and Bermagui’s Sculpture on the Edge.
Martin's work has been collected by the Australian National University's Drill Hall Gallery, University House, Parramatta City Council, GML Heritage, and private collectors.
Selected Exhibitions
Solo
2017 - 2018
The Great Australian Chimera, Canberra Museum and Art Gallery, ACT.
2017 - 2018
Silent Witnesses, Australian Centre on China in the World Gallery, Australian National University, ACT.
2017
Biographies, Belconnen Arts Centre as part of the Emerging Artists Support Scheme, ACT.
2004
North Queensland Perspectives, Atherton Old Post Office Gallery, QLD.
Group
2019
Overlooked, Hive Gallery, Queanbeyan, NSW.
2017
Plucked, Belconnen Community Centre Gallery, Canberra, ACT.
2014
Sculpture Inside at Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe, WA.
2013
Flipside, Australian National Capital Artists (ANCA) Gallery, ACT.
Education
2008 – 2016
Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours) in Sculpture, Australian National University
2006-2007
Sculptural Modelling, Symbolic Drawing and Experimental Drawing courses at TAFE, Cairns.
1988 - 1992
Bachelor of Arts Honours (First Class), in Australian Archaeology, University of Sydney.
Selected Awards
2018
Emerging Artist Award, Sculpture for Clyde, Bateman's Bay, NSW.
2016
Emerging Artists’ Support Scheme Award, Belconnen Arts Centre, Canberra, ACT
2016
Emerging Artists’ Support Scheme Award, Canberra Museum and Art Gallery.
2013
Alan & Marilyn Stretton Encouragement Award for an Individual Sculptor, Sculpture on the Edge, Bermagui