A towering sculptural work will light up Rockhampton Museum of Art (RMOA) thanks to the Albanese Labor Government's Sharing the National Collection program.
The four-metre-high wax candle 'portrait' Francesco by Swiss-born American based artist Urs Fischer, will be ignited and then left to melt over several months until it is reduced to debris.
The life-size wax statue depicts Italian art critic Francesco Bonami looking at his smart phone while standing on top of an open refrigerator stacked with fruit and vegetables. This work represents the cycle of birth, life and death of an artwork, which is then recast, blurring the lines of installation and sculpture.
The major international work will complement the new gallery space situated on Rockhampton's historic riverfront and reflect the significance of the museum's collection as the largest regional gallery in Queensland.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the loan would draw new crowds to the largest regional gallery in Queensland.
"The national collection belongs to the entire nation, not just to Canberra.
"Many works of art, you see them differently each time you visit. This one will physically be different as the days pass."
Senator for Queensland, Nita Green said the loan would bring excitement to the region.
"Francesco is a fun and provocative work which will captivate audiences as they track his progress melting and ultimately disintegrating.
"This celebrated international work will be familiar to some and is a huge drawcard for people to visit the Rockhampton Museum of Art."
Director of the National Gallery, Dr Nick Mitzevich, said the success of Sharing the National Collection continues to grow with more regional galleries partnering with the National Gallery of Australia on local projects.
"This exciting collaboration with the Rockhampton Museum of Art reflects the National Gallery's commitment to sharing powerful contemporary art, including major international artists, with communities across Australia."
Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor, Tony Williams, said the Sharing the National Collection program was important for regional communities.
"We have some excellent art and installations in our National Collection and to be able to partner with the Federal Government and the National Gallery to secure a piece for our region is great.
"What's really special is the ability to showcase pieces from our National Collection in regional centres like Rockhampton and for everyone regardless of where you live to be able to enjoy them."
"I'm really pleased to see Council and Rockhampton be part of this initiative and to have venues like RMOA to showcase these pieces."
Sharing the National Collection is part of Revive, Australia's national cultural policy. The program has provided $11.8m over four years to fund the costs of transporting, installing and insuring works in the national art collection so that they can be seen right across the country.
Regional and suburban galleries can register their interest in the loan program here.
Images of the sculpture and their attributions can be found here.
