A Shifting Reality
23 September - 1 November 2026
A Shifting Reality
Jill Chism
Jill Chism in front of her works. Photograph: Kerry Trapnell, courtesy the artist.
A Shifting Reality examines the continual transformation of forms, identities, meanings, and perceptions. Rather than treating change as a single event, the exhibition presents transformation as an ongoing process that shapes how we understand ourselves, our environments, and the social and environmental systems we depend on. The exhibition brings together environmental concerns and philosophical questions about existence, meaning, and change as images, language, and materials evolve into new forms. Central to the exhibition is the humble stick, reimagined as a new sculptural vernacular / linguistic form. Reclaimed materials reveal social, historical, and metaphorical insights into identity, while chamfer-board sculptures invite reflection on Australia's urban expansion, environmental loss, and the idea that change is a fundamental condition of life.
Jill Chism - A Shifting Reality is presented by Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts as part of the North Australian Festival of Arts.
Exhibitions launch
6pm Wednesday 23 September 2026
Speeches from approx. 6:30pm
Please note: Umbrella will be closed for install from Monday 7 September until the launch event.
Jill Chism is an Australian artist living in Far North Queensland. She has a long and distinguished history in the arts, with creative expression deeply connected to her exploration of metaphysics and Non-Duality, particularly the question, “Who am I?” Over two decades, she created public art projects across Australia, exploring relationships between built and natural environments. Since 2007, Jill has focused strongly on environmental art, receiving an Arts Queensland Creative Fellowship for Waters Edge – Creating Environments. In 2018, she founded and curated Call of the Running Tide, evolving from a festival into an ongoing collaborative exploration of natural environments through sculpture, installation, and multimedia. Her current studio-based practice continues to centre on interconnection - between people, the natural environment, and processes of self-understanding.
Also on display during this period
All Exhibitions23 September -
1 November 2026
Open Hours
Tues - Fri: 9am-5pm
Sat - Sun: 9am-1pm
Gallery closed Mondays, public holidays and during exhibition install weeks.
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Contact
408 Flinders Street,
Gurambilbarra / Townsville,
Qld, 4810 Australia
PO Box 2394,
Gurambilbarra / Townsville,
Qld, 4810 Australia
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Acknowledgement of Country
Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts respectfully acknowledges the Wulgurukaba of Gurambilbarra and Yunbenun and the surrounding groups of our region - Bindal, Gugu Badhun, Nywaigi, Warrgamay, Bandjin and Gudjal - as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather, share and celebrate local creative practice. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the first people of Australia. They have never ceded sovereignty and remain strong in their enduring connection to land and Culture.
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Acknowledgements
Umbrella is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, part of the Department of Education, and the Visual Art, Craft and Design Framework, an initiative of the Australian, state and territory governments. | Umbrella is supported by the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation and receives funding from Creative Australia through the Australian Cultural Fund. | Townsville City Council is a funding partner of Umbrella's program. | Vetta Creative is Umbrella's fortieth anniversary creative partner.
