Collection Peek

The MRAG Collection comprises more than 5,000 artworks by Australian and international artists, with a focus on works on paper.

IN FOCUS

Derek Kreckler, 'How to discipline a tree' (detail), 1989, compressed newspaper bricks, dimensions variable.

Donated to the Maitland Regional Art Gallery Collection under the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Derek Kreckler, 2019

DEREK KRECKLER | HOW TO DISCIPLINE A TREE (1989)

Born in Sydney and based on the NSW South Coast, Derek Kreckler is an academic and conceptual artist whose careers spans more than four decades.

This installation, constructed of 1000 bricks made from compressed newspapers, is a meditative and timely work from a year, much like 2020, that is considered to have changed the world.

Laid in a zigzag structure of receding walls, representing the roots of a fig tree, it makes a powerful environmental statement about our throwaway culture of consumption; the bricks are made with just one month’s worth of newspapers from a single household in 1989. A wooden chair invites the audience to sit and reflect, yet with uncertainty about doing so for fear of the wall’s fragility.

'How to discipline a tree '(1989) was donated to the Maitland Regional Art Gallery Collection under the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Derek Kreckler in 2019.

Words: Sally Denmead

MEMBER TOUR

One of the artworks Andrew and Nicola saw on their tour was Max Watters, 'View over Glenbawn Road', 1976, oil on masonite, 79 x 110.5cm. Maitland Regional Art Gallery Collection.

Photo: Clare Hodgins

Collection Management Curator Cheryl Farrell recently took members Andrew and Nicola Neil on a guided tour of the MRAG Collection Store.

Q&A

What were you most interested in hearing about, or seeing, on your tour of the MRAG Collection Store?

Nicola – I was just keen to get a look behind the scenes, see some pieces I hadn’t seen before and hear about future plans for the Gallery.

Andrew – Seeing the huge body of work that isn’t out on public display, and learning more about how the Collection is managed, displayed and cared for.

What, if anything, surprised you about the MRAG Collection?

Nicola – I was surprised that the storage facilities are so basic, considering the value of the Collection. I hope funding can be secured to upgrade the facilities soon.

Andrew – The size, scope and incredibly varied nature of the Collection. It’s an amazing cultural asset for the entire community. What has been one of your favourite exhibitions at MRAG so far?

What has been one of your favourite exhibitions at MRAG so far?

Nicola – Despite being terrified of snakes I really enjoyed Teresa Purnell’s Snakeabout exhibition and her informative talks. My favourite would be Penelope Seidler’s Gift to Maitland – a wonderful and eclectic selection of works.

Andrew – Legacy: Reflections on Mabo was an incredibly powerful exhibition, and a great example of the high-quality touring exhibitions MRAG can attract.

Any MRAG Member who would like to experience a one hour private Collection Store tour, and would be happy to be featured on this page in a future issue of Artel, please email us at artelmagazine@ gmail.com to register your interest. The Collection Store is also open to the public from time to time; check the MRAG website for dates.