Months of late nights and paper folding have culminated in local artist, Ritchie Doňa, exhibiting his work with some of Queensland's top emerging artists.

The USQ student is currently studying honours and was invited to exhibit his work Rhythm Knowledge in Fresh Cuts 2006, after his work was spotted at the USQ Graduart Exhibition in 2005.

Held at the Institute of Modern Art (IMA), the Fresh Cuts 2006 exhibition is an annual event that aims to expose artwork from budding Queensland artists.

"People are rarely invited to exhibit at the IMA, so I am in a privileged position", Ritchie said.

"I began looking at new ways of displaying the common shape of a book. I wanted to display them as aesthetically pleasing objects and through experimentation I developed the work I am exhibiting", he said.

The Filipino born artist moved to Australia eight years ago and said his love for art began as a child.

"My grandparents encouraged me to explore and develop my art. I work mainly in pottery and sculpture, but I began working with paper when I started at USQ", Ritchie said.

Only 13 Queensland artists have been invited to exhibit work at the IMA. Artist floor talks will be conducted throughout the exhibition and a guest panel will conduct a public debate.

Ritchie's work will be on display at the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts in Brisbane from Saturday, 4 January until Saturday, 11 March.

Media Contact: Connie-Louise Alexander, 4631 2977, 0439760106