ARTIFACTS - August 2012

August 2012 – November 2012

Friends of the Art Gallery of Western Australia

Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters Behind the Scenes at the Gallery, Friends Events, What’s on at AGWA and beyond

www.artfriends.com.au

Miramar Monastery, Mallorca ASA’s rich diversity of tours include:

ASA INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARS LECTURE SERIES ASA in conjunction with the Friends of the Art Gallery of Western Australia welcomes Dr John Wreglesworth, one of ASA’s most popular, dynamic and engaging group leaders and public lecturers

Thursday 25 October – Evening lecture Friday 26 October – Lunch lecture Visit the ASA website for a outline of each lecture.

See the “Friends Event Guide” for times and how to book

IRAN: ART & CULTURE OF THE PERSIANS 31 October - 20 November 2012 Led by Christopher Wood and Ross Burns

ANDALUCIA: CHRISTIANS & MUSLIMS IN SOUTHERN SPAIN 27 April - 12 May 2013 Led by Dr John Wregelsworth

TURKEY: THE AGES OF ANATOLIA 29 April - 20 May 2013 Led by Dr Susan Aykut and Dr Erin Gibson

VALENCIA AND THE BALEARIC ISLANDS 16 May - 1 June 2013 Led by Dr John Wreglesworth

For a complete list of other small group tours, detailed itineraries and lecture series visit:

www.asatours.com.au Phone 03 98226899 Freecall 1800 645 755 Email info@asatours.com.au

Contents Artifacts is published three times a year by

ADVERTISING

the Friends of the Art Gallery of Western

Friends welcome the support of advertisers

Australia Inc. (the ‘Friends’)

and sponsors. Please contact Kay Campbell

PO Box 48

kay.campbell@artgallery.wa.gov.au

Northbridge WA 6865 Tel: +61 (0)8 9492 6750

Editorial Coordination & Production

friends@artgallery.wa.gov.au

Management: The Write Business

www.artfriends.com.au

Editor: carola@thewritebusiness.com.au Design: zebra-factory.com Printing: Scott Print FRIENDS’ OFFICE OPENING HOURS

Cover Friends and Gallery volunteers surrounded by the works of Andy Warhol, Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters. L-R: Kay Campbell, Annie Silberstein, Colin Mildon, Fiona Johnson, Ben Cusmano.

Andy Warhol (American, 1928-1987) Campbell’s Soup Cans, 1962. synthetic polymer paint on thirty-two canvases, Each canvas 20 x 16” (50.8 x 40.6 cm).

The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Partial gift of Irving Blum; additional funding provided by Nelson A. Rockefeller Bequest, gift of Mr. and Mrs. William A. M. Burden, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Fund, gift of Nina and Gordon Bunshaft in honor of Henry Moore, Lillie P. Bliss Bequest, Philip Johnson Fund, Frances R. Keech Bequest, gift of Mrs. Bliss Parkinson, and Florence B. Wesley Bequest (all by exchange). © 2012 Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts/Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY/TM Licensed by Campbell’s Soup Co. All rights reserved.

Brillo Boxes (Soap Pads), 1964. synthetic polymer paint and silkscreen ink on wood, Each box: 17 1/8 x 17 x 14” (43.3 x 43.2 x 36.5 cm).

The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Gift of Doris and Donald Fisher. © 2012 Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.

Heinz Tomato Ketchup Box [Prototype], 1963-64 synthetic polymer paint and silkscreen ink on wood.

10 ½ x 15 ½ x 10 ½” (26.7 x 39.4 x 26.7 cm).

The Museum of Modern Art, New York.

Gift of Jasper Johns. © 2012 Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts/ Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.

President’s Message............................... 4

Monday 10am–1pm/2–5pm

Membership Update.............................. 4

Tuesday closed

Meet the Friends Council.................... 6

Wednesday 10am–1pm/2–5pm Thursday 10am–1pm/2–5pm

Colin Mildon........................................... 7

Friday 10am –1pm/2–5pm

Household Names.................................. 8

Saturday & Sunday closed Public Holidays closed

Andy Warhol and New York in the 1970S........................................11

AGWA OPENING HOURS

Crossroads of Art & Science............. 12

Wednesday – Monday 10am – 5pm

Friendship.............................................. 15

Closed Tuesday and Good Friday, ANZAC Day and Christmas Day.

Sensational Sydney.............................. 16

During the Picasso to Warhol exhibition

Books, Websites & Trivia................... 19

opening hours are extended on Wednesday ‘til 8pm and on Friday ‘til 10pm (Last entry

What’s on at the Gallery.................... 20

into the exhibition is 1 hour prior to

Spreading its Wings............................ 23

closing time.)

WA, Australia & the World................ 24

Erratum We apologise for omitting the photographer’s acknowledgement in the April 2012 edition, p14: Photo by Mandana Eizadi.

Includ

Fr iends ing & Memb Events ership P ullout

Photo: Tony Nathan

© 2012: the artists, authors and the Art Gallery of Western Australia Copyright for all images and works is owned by the artists or their representatives. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the Friends of the Art Gallery of Western Australia.

The Friends and the Art Gallery of Western Australia do not necessarily endorse statements and opinions expressed within.

www.artfriends.com.au

artifacts august 2012–november 2012

3

President’s Message

Membership Update

Robert Buratti

Gwen Gaff, Executive Officer

Anyone who has visited AGWA lately will agree that the MoMA buzz has certainly hit Perth.

W

elcome to the many new and renewing members!

We are delighted to announce new

benefits for Members in this issue of Artifacts and also to highlight a wonderful range of events, planned specifically

A

n opportunity to

and its exhibitions, so for the term of the

experience major works from some

exhibition you will see a Friends reception

of the most influential artists of

exhibitions and the local art scene.

New benefits that I’m sure you will

desk at the AGWA entrance where our

applaud include 15% discount on tea and

the 20th century marks a significant stage in

wonderful volunteer team, led by Colin

coffee at the gallery café, Caffissimo;

the development of the local art scene and

Mildon, will be on hand to provide more

exclusive offers at the Gallery Shop

the growth of the public’s perception of what

information on the exhibition, upcoming

including the limited edition FINK

‘great art’ really means. This exhibition is the

Friends events, and ways that you and your

jewellery range; a significant discount on

best that I’ve seen at AGWA for some time

family can become “Part of the Art” and

the Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern

and, as illustrated by the major institutions

support your Gallery.

Masters catalogue – only pay $20; on

in Sydney and Melbourne, bringing top

I’d like to take the opportunity to

level international art to local audiences pays

thank Comestibles for their sponsorship

significant cultural dividends.

of the opening and closing events of the

Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern

top of all the many other benefits.

(See centrefold for full details.)

In May we moved the venue for the

Picasso to Warhol Film Festival; their

Australian Decorative and Fine Arts

Masters is an exhibition that you want to

support is much appreciated and helps to

Societies (ADFAS) lecture series to the

visit more than once or want to tell your

make these events truly memorable.

nearby Lecture Theatre at the Central

friends about, so don’t miss the wonderful

The impressive team of volunteers,

Institute of Technology. This provides more

opportunity to receive a free ticket to the

Councillors and our Executive Officer,

room to welcome the growing number

exhibition during the month of September

Gwen Gaff, all of whom have risen to the

of guests who enjoy these informative

(see p5 for details).

challenge of creating some great events

and entertaining illustrated lectures;

for the upcoming period, deserve our

and we are grateful for the very pleasing

heartfelt thanks.

feedback about the venue, catering and

The feedback from visitors has been fantastic with two sold-out opening previews in June, and the sold out opening

Our role remains to connect the

the exemplary visiting presenters. Only

event of the Picasso to Warhol Film Festival

community to the Gallery, to foster long

two lectures remain in the 2012 series;

presented by the Friends. We are delighted

lasting relationships and support between

these focus on the magnificent glass

to host the eminently qualified Robert

the public and the State Collection, so if

of the Victorian era and the landscape

Cook, Ann Shilo and Alan Dodge at the

you’re wanting to get more involved with

design that is so quintessential to the

next three Film Festival events to speak

this landmark exhibition and Friends,

parks surrounding many stately homes in

about the context and importance of the

don’t hesitate to contact our office or visit

England, the like of which we see on TV

artworks by Marcel Duchamp, Louise

the Friends reception.

in Downton Abbey and Vanity Fair.

Bourgeois and Andy Warhol. In addition, throughout the exhibition period, the

We look forward to having you on board!

It has been outstanding to have the first survey of Jeff Wall’s photographs

Friends will be hosting special guided tours

exhibited at AGWA and I urge you to seize

of Picasso to Warhol in partnership with

the opportunity of joining Gary Dufour,

the Gallery Guides, and given that these are already selling out very quickly, I urge you to book early.

As always, it is the aim of the Friends to enhance your experience of the Gallery 4

to heighten your experience of AGWA

artifacts august 2012–november 2012

Opposite page Friends and Gallery volunteers in the new Manhattan Lounge, where all our members are welcome.

Front L-R: Annie Silberstein, Fiona Johnson.

Back L-R: Hannah Jago, Ben Cusmano, Allan Green, Kay Campbell, Colin Mildon.

Photo: Tony Nathan

Deputy Director and Chief Curator, on the penultimate day of the exhibition, to hear some illuminating insights and literary references behind Jeff Wall’s work (friends of Friends qualify for discount tickets). www.artfriends.com.au

As we go to press we are looking forward to visiting veteran and acclaimed artists Robert Juniper and Richard Woldendorp in their studios for a Day of Art in the Hills, and the sell-out Behind the Scenes tour of AGWA’s Conservation Lab and Print Room in August. Although sad to hear that two of our mainstay local galleries are closing we are delighted to offer Friends a unique occasion to farewell Gallery East and Perth Galleries in October.

There are plenty more member events to enjoy, including Art in the Valley with Ron Gomboc and Jane Brook Estate Wines, and the ASA International Scholars Series to inspire your thirst for travel. Details can be found for all events and bookings in the centrefold. Please be warned that many events sell out fast, so book early and keep an eye on your ‘inbox’ for details of any extra events. and Friends adapt places for members to

The Friends office relies on a trio

Our work supporting AGWA attracts

of volunteers who each dedicate one

a wonderful crew of volunteers and we are

rest and relax during the MoMA series of

day per week to ensuring membership

always seeking more people who are able

exhibitions, and you will read below about

and administration runs smoothly.

to offer some time to welcome visitors to

the new Lounge arrangement.

The contribution of Anne-Marie Drew

the Gallery and to expand our friendships.

who has supported the office for several

We are also looking for eager folks to act as

ideas, and enjoy sharing the passion for

years, Phillida Preston who joined the office

Ambassadors in the local community. Please

your Gallery, art and friendship with you.

in 2011 and our newest recruit, Karine

contact us if you are interested (see below).

Carroll, is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your patience as AGWA

As always we value your feedback and

Thank you for your wonderful support and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Free Ticket

Lounge’, themed in a New York style, is

signage, through to the ‘Friends of AGWA

now open to Friends and MoMA ticket

Gallery’ – where Frederick McCubbin’s

During the month of September Friends

holders – a place to relax with a grand view

Down on his luck 1889 is displayed.

have the chance to receive a free ticket to

of our own Perth skyline. Sealed take-away

the Picasso to Warhol exhibition. Existing

meals and drinks may be taken into the

and volunteers remain available by phone

members will qualify by introducing two new

Lounge, which is open every day except

and email, and trybooking.com to book

financial members to the Friends of AGWA

Tuesday from 10am to 5pm and open late

events online.

Membership. With five more spectacular

on Wednesdays until 8pm (except when a

MoMA exhibitions coming to AGWA over

Private Function is booked).

Gwen Gaff, Friends Executive Officer

events to enjoy, your friends will be glad

of the gallery is where our volunteers will

of your encouragement. (Not available in

greet you; take your bookings and welcome

conjunction with any other promotion.)

new members. (10:30am – 2pm during the

Outreach Ambassadorship Options

The Manhattan Lounge

MoMA series.)

The Friends and Gallery are seeking

The Friends Desk and a place for Friends

the next three years and the wealth of Friends

The Friends Desk at the front entrance

The Friends Office and waiting room

expressions of interest from people who

remain in the Centenary Galleries and

would like to help promote the Friends and

will open to members for administrative

AGWA within their community groups

enquiries in the spring. Members will

and networks. If you’d like to learn more

The Friends Lounge off the Concourse

receive an email when we’re ready and

about how this works, please email Gwen at

has been transformed! ‘The Manhattan

you’ll find your way, with the help of

friends@artgallery.wa.gov.au

www.artfriends.com.au

artifacts august 2012–november 2012

5

Meet the Friends Council Robert Buratti, Chair (since 2009)

Gregory Jude, Treasurer (since 2011)

strong interest in art, architecture, style

Robert has worked in the commercial art

Greg has an engineering qualification

and design, and an understanding of

industry for over 15 years. After completing

and a professional background in systems

community involvement.

a Bachelor of Arts majoring in visual arts,

design and investment management. He

literature, cultural theory and psychology

has a particular interest in making complex

Helen Smith OAM FAIM (since 2009)

at Macquarie University, he went on to

things simple and in distilling useful

Helen is a Director of the Eye Surgery

a Master of Arts Administration at the

information from a sea of data. Greg’s role

Foundation and is responsible each

College of Fine Arts, Sydney. By the age of

as Treasurer, which he has also performed

year for organising the ADFAS lecture

29, he was the Western Australian agent for

for many years with Christchurch

series, in which world class lecturers

the late surrealist master, James Gleeson and

Grammar School, allows him to apply these

from overseas come to talk about their

continues to represent many of Australia’s

skills to assist the Council in managing the

specialist area, related to decorative and

most prominent artists including Wendy

affairs of the Friends.

fine arts. She arranges the annual program,

Sharpe, Fred Cress, Craig Ruddy, Bernard

accommodation and flights, as well as

Ollis and Guy Warren. His art writing has

Allan Green, former Secretary and Vice

often hosting the visiting lecturer. Not

been published locally and internationally

President (since 2008)

only interested in art, Helen enjoys the

and he is currently the WA Critic for

Allan has a BA Dip Ed from UWA. He

performances of musicians the world over.

Artist Profile magazine, guest presenter for

and his wife Jane are well travelled, seeking

Gallery Watch (WestTV) and regular arts

out destinations that enrich their special

Kevin Jackson, Life Member, former

commentator on ABC and Foxtel channels.

interest in art and the arts. Most of his

President and Vice President

professional career has been involved in

Kevin is a lifelong supporter of the arts,

Mariana Atkins, Vice President and

teaching English and managing English

having been involved with Friends from

Programme Director (since 2011)

Departments in government schools and

the very earliest days, as an originator of

Mariana has been involved with Friends

continues to use his organisational skills

Art in Bloom and through his philanthropic

since 2010 and has coordinated the

assisting the Friends, in particular the

support of artists in WA. He has served

Council’s extensive program of events over

ADFAS lecture series.

previously as chair and member of John

the past few years. Mariana has a Masters

Curtin Gallery Board and was a member of

degree in socio-economic planning from

David Bliss, former Vice President

the art committee of Sir Charles Gardiner

the London School of Economics and has

(since 2004)

Hospital for over 15 years. Kevin also

worked in urban development and arts

David has been a member of Friends

sponsored the Rottnest student art award

management. Mariana is keen to develop

since 2001 and assists with many events

for five years.

the Friends organisation so that it continues

both within the Gallery and across

to act as a vibrant interface between the

Perth. Running his own business, David

Marcelle Anderson, Secretary

public and the State Art Gallery.

contributes his management skills, a

(since 2012) Marcelle has a BA (Hons) with major in Classics and Ancient History from UWA. She has worked in government and now in the resources industry. She has developed skills in marketing and promotion; strategic relationship building; and public policy. She has served on the board of Black Swan Theatre and is currently the chair of St Andrew’s Grammar School.

Her motivation for joining the Friends is to help the Art Gallery of Western Australia through the maintenance of a strong

6

artifacts august 2012–november 2012

www.artfriends.com.au

Colin Mildon Friends’ Volunteer Coordinator

and active support organisation, which can bring diversity and enjoyment to peoples’ lives. Her passion for the arts includes art, craft, music and theatre.

T

he Friends are delighted to introduce new volunteer Colin Mildon who is spearheading the Friends ‘Volunteer’ drive. A retired radiographer and

winery manager, Colin brings his considerable experience and

Kay Campbell, Advertising (since 2012)

management skills to help set up the new Friends Volunteer

Kay has a BA Dip Ed from Macquarie University and in her

program in 2012, devoting his time to recruiting, training and

professional life she has been involved in PR, Events and

rostering new volunteers.

Exhibitions, and Retail. She has been a keen advocate of the Arts; and in 2012 has proven successful in securing advertising for Artifacts magazine. Kay is well connected to the corporate

Volunteers are a vital part of the Friends sustaining a diverse and exciting program.

Colin highly recommends the role of a Friends’ volunteer at

community and she looks forward to contributing further to

AGWA. He says it is a pleasure to be in the building amongst

Friends and supporting the Gallery.

the art works and with all the happy people. Colin loves meeting first time visitors to the Gallery and finds their excitement and

Fiona Johnson (since 2012)

wonder contagious. He can categorically say that visitors really do

Fiona has an interest in combining travelling, long distance

appreciate the smiles and friendly approaches of volunteers and you

walking and visiting art galleries and places of interest around the

know you have contributed to their experience by the smiles on

world. She enjoys attending ADFAS lectures; WA Opera; reading;

their faces as they leave.

attending the Lotterywest film season at the UWA Somerville and

Colin was delighted by a recent visitor who told him that seeing

PIAF. She is a lawyer with a keen interest in art history, culture

Marcel Duchamp’s snow shovel In advance of a Broken Arm would

and design, has recently lived in London and has many ideas for

put a whole new light on his next visit to Bunnings! In Picasso

future Friends events.

to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters Colin chooses Picasso’s Self Portrait (Yo) 1901 as his clear favourite, sensing “a strong feeling of

Council members are elected at the Annual General Meeting, usually held in February.

The Council is always looking for members who are sincere and passionate about the work of Friends to support AGWA, and

soul from the eyes and the boldness of the paint application”.

Volunteering is highly rewarding and the Friends welcome enquiries from anybody who would like to know more about this program.

who can commit to at least 12 hours of voluntary contributions per month including attending meetings and events.

Interested individuals are invited to nominate for the vacant positions using the form available from the Friends office.

Volunteering with Friends at the Gallery Do you want to be a part of the MoMA buzz at AGWA? Are you passionate about supporting your Gallery? Is making people feel welcome your forte? Do you have three to seven hours a week to give? If this sounds like you, we need you!

Friends are seeking bright outgoing people to welcome visitors and Friends to AGWA, to The Manhattan Lounge, and to tell them about the wonderful benefits of becoming a member.

Top left L-R: Kay Campbell, Ros Kirwan, Brian Roche, Greg Jude at the Opening of the Friends’ Film Festival 2012

If you’d like to know more, please contact Colin Mildon: 08 9492 6750/friends@artgallery.wa.gov.au

Top right Colin Mildon Left L-R: Fiona Johnson, Annie Sebba (ADFAS lecturer), Mariana Atkins

www.artfriends.com.au

artifacts august 2012–november 2012

7

Household Names Robert Cook, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Photography and Design, Art Gallery of Western Australia

P

8

icasso to Warhol:

The Picasso selection, for instance, takes

abstraction. In doing so, we see an artist in

Fourteen Modern Masters is the

viewers on a 50-plus year journey from his

constant development, pushing his work to

product of the finely nuanced

Self Portrait (Yo), 1901, painted when he

represent his ideas and ideals for how art

curating of MoMA’s Jodi Hauptman,

was just 20 years old, to an iconic gouache

might function in society and beyond.

Curator, and Samantha Friedman, Assistant

from his Rose period, Two Acrobats with a

Curator. Their combination of artists and

Dog, 1905, to his Cubist works, to works

might not have been so aware of, we

particular artworks offers insights into

inspired by Surrealism. Similarly, in the

realise that the element of discovery is

the arc of each of the 14 artists’ practices,

group of five paintings by Piet Mondrian we

evident throughout Picasso to Warhol. For

and the multiple connections between the

travel a clear path from the Dutch artist’s

example, audiences will encounter a side of

artists themselves.

early representational work to his geometric

Alexander Calder’s work they may not be

artifacts august 2012–november 2012

As we experience a Mondrian we

www.artfriends.com.au

Of course, this show also delivers powerful hits of individual images and objects of immense quality.

This was realised from the very start of the installation. aware of: his wire portraits and jewellery.

civic utopias, but they are of very different

Mondrian’s Transatlantic Paintings, made

These objects are less well known than his

orders. For Léger it is about the relationship

after he had shifted from Paris to London

mobiles and stabiles, and are already of

between people and industry and for

and then New York. Its two dates reflect

great interest to visitors.

Mondrian it is about a connection to a

this passage; it is signed 1939, when he was

universal harmony of being. There is also

in London, and 1943 when he completed

show is the exchange between the artists.

a wonderful dialogue between Duchamp,

it in New York. As it hung on our Gallery

This is established early in the layered

Johns and Warhol. Duchamp’s hanging

wall – the sole work in the show for a brief

connections between the works of Picasso

snow shovel, In Advance of the Broken Arm,

period – it was absolutely electric. It literally

and Matisse. If you stand in the centre of

1964 (original, 1915), was once owned by

pulsed as the sections where the black bands

the Picasso section you can also see many

Andy Warhol, and you can stand in the

join produced an optical thrum. This work

of Matisse’s works. As you do so you’ll

doorway between the spaces and literally

notice on your front-right Picasso’s Seated

see its influence on Warhol’s Brillo Boxes

Bather, 1930. Then, in the central space

(Soap Pads), 1964, and Heinz Tomato

where Matisse’s work begins you’ll observe

Ketchup Box, 1963-1964. Additionally,

Matisse’s bronze sculpture, Large Seated

Duchamp was an influence on Jasper

Nude, 1925-1929. And, as you walk towards

Johns, whose work is positioned between

Matisse’s section proper, you’ll become

Duchamp’s and Warhol’s. Johns looked

aware of his painting Goldfish and Sculpture,

to Duchamp’s challenge to visual art’s

1912. These three artworks speak to each

expressiveness as an antidote to the

about relationships of two-dimensionality

emotionality of abstract expressionism that

and three-dimensionality – especially in

was unfolding around him.

As mentioned, a key characteristic of the

representing the figure – that define the output of these giants of modern art.

Likewise, there is a fascinating

Of course, this show also delivers powerful hits of individual images and objects of immense quality. This was realised

conversation between the abstractions

from the very start of the installation. The

of Mondrian and Léger. The two artists

first work to go up was Mondrian’s Trafalgar

both embrace the modern city to fashion

Square, 1939-1943. This painting is one of

www.artfriends.com.au

Top left Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976) Portrait of a Man, c. 1929. brass wire, 12 7/8 x 8 3/4 x 13 1/2” (32.5 x 22.2 x 34.2 cm).

The Museum of Modern Art, New York.

Gift of the artist. © 2012 Calder Foundation, New York/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.

Top right Piet Mondrian (Dutch, 1872-1944) Trafalgar Square, 1939-43. oil on canvas, 57 1/4 x 47 1/4” (145.2 x 120 cm).

The Museum of Modern Art, New York.

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. William A. M. Burden. © Mondrian/Holtzman Trust. Beeldrecht/ Licensed by Viscopy Opposite Exhibition Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters.

Left to right: Andy Warhol Campbell’s Soup Cans, 1962. Self-Portrait, 1966. S & H Green Stamps, 1962.

Foreground, Heinz Tomato Ketchup Box [Prototype], 1963-64. Brillo Boxes (Soap Pads), 1964. Campbell’s Tomato Juice Box, 1964.

artifacts august 2012–november 2012

9

was a genuine living presence. And as the Brancusi sculptures were installed, encountering the carved oak beam Endless Column, 1918, was like coming across a breathing figure in the Gallery. It was the same for all of the works as they went up – they were resoundingly vital, resonant and alive.

Picasso to Warhol reminds us exactly why these artists are household names and how important their examples remain. It also proves that there is still much more to discover. From the start of the twentieth century through to the mid-1960s, they reach to our time and speak directly to us.

Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters is showing at the Art Gallery of Western Australia until 3 December 2012.

Tickets may be purchased at all Ticketek Ticketing Outlets, online at www.ticketek.com.au, by phoning 132 849 or at the Gallery front desk. For more information visit: www.picassotowarhol.artgallery.wa.gov.au

Below Constantin Brancusi (French, born Romania. 1876-1957) Endless Column, version I, 1918. oak, 6’ 8” x 9 7/8” x 9 5/8” (203.2 x 25.1 x 24.5 cm).

The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Gift of Mary Sisler. © Constantin Brancusi. ADAGP/Licensed by Viscopy

10

artifacts august 2012–november 2012

www.artfriends.com.au

Andy Warhol and New York in the 1970S Alan R. Dodge AM

B

y 1976, while the United

conservator, which happened to be in the

Liz and made the most of it. He had already

States was celebrating the

building that housed Mark Rothko’s old

declared that as an artist, he was no more

bicentennial of its Declaration

studio. The studio, a former carriage house

than a mirror and in the New York of the

of Independence and its emergence as a

for the mansions that once lined Park

1970s; no one could deny that he was.

country, Mayor Koch’s New York City

Avenue, was a favourite drop in spot for

And as a mirror, Warhol was to prove so

was teetering on the verge of bankruptcy.

everyone from Halston’s models to Andy

much an artist of his time, changing the

But on the streets, who would know it?!

Warhol. Warhol would usually show up in

definition of what was ‘art’ for all time.

Disco Queen Donna Summer was crooning

the late morning tricked out in high boots

at Roselands, Bette Midler held court at

and leather jacket and ever more extravagant

Picasso to Warhol Film Festival

the Ansonia Baths and Bianca Jagger was

wigs, with his latest purchase tucked under

Closing Event

Queen of Studio 54, midtown’s hottest

his arm (often an oriental rug) to add to his

Alan Dodge will be our guest of honour

disco club. The New York City Marathon

already overstuffed house up the street. He

at the closing event of the Friends’ Picasso

was run for the first time on the streets and

was there to gossip, wanting to know who

to Warhol Film Festival on Monday 12

bridges of all five boroughs, from the toll

was the newest young trick under the wing

November, 6-9pm. Before the film Ten

plaza of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge

of some rich Fifth Avenue queen. Warhol

Lizes, which explores Warhol’s famous

in Staten Island to Tavern on the Green

loved gossip and in his laconic manner only

portrait of Elizabeth Taylor, Alan will

in Manhattan’s Central Park. The West

let out enough conversation to prise the

speak about Warhol’s work and his

Village was exuberantly gay (AIDS had not

news from the others in the room, usually

immense influence on the direction of

hit yet) and the Meat Market district on

mining for graphic details.

modern art. For more information about

Hudson Street was still just that.

The estate of the great artist Mark

Warhol was made for the world of the media, Studio 54, Bianca, Liza, Dolly and

booking tickets for this singular evening see the event guide in the centrefold.

Rothko, who took his own life in 1970, was the subject of a huge and bitter lawsuit between his children and the trustees of the Rothko Foundation. A Chorus Line was the hot ticket on Broadway and Australia sent its national ballet company to the Uris Theatre with headliner Dame Margot Fonteyn in a new production of The Merry Widow as a ballet – its gift to the American Bicentennial.

I was living in New York during this time working as the personal secretary to a Broadway producer and helped out in the studio of a well-known painting Right Andy Warhol (American, 1928-1987) Before and After, 1961. casein and pencil on canvas, 54 x 69 7/8” (137.2 x 177.5 cm).

The Museum of Modern Art, New York.

Gift of David Geffen. © 2012 Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts/ Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.

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artifacts august 2012–november 2012

11

Crossroads of Art & Science

Louise Jones continues her series of articles celebrating the talented AGWA staff who work invisibly behind the scenes to enrich and educate the visitors experience, with this edition featuring the Conservators.

I

t was a privilege to step inside the inner sanctum of the conservation department at AGWA and meet the four conservators who protect and maintain the paintings,

works on paper and objects that make up the vast body of works in the State Collection. Members of the public rarely have an opportunity to get up close and personal with artworks that are under examination and repair, or to hear about the techniques that the conservators use, to clean, repair and prevent future damage.

Conservation is a crossroads where science and art meet head on and the conservators are AGWA’s scientists. They specialise in the analysis of the intricate composition of the art, the paper, the paint, the materials and how they react and interact with the environment and employ the best tools available to them to stem the deterioration of the art.

David Graves (Objects and Projects), Stephanie Baily and Kate Woollett (Paper) and Natalie Hewlett (Paintings) make up the smallest State Gallery conservation team in Australia in proportion to the size of the collection under their care. Self evidently they can’t possibly keep an eye on each piece in the entire collection all of the time. Approximately 95% of the Collection is in ‘storage’ at any given time and the conservators work schedule is determined by the rotation of the artworks on exhibit; knowing the schedule sometimes up to 18 months in advance so that pieces can be removed from storage, examined and cleaned and repaired if necessary. Curators refresh the art on AGWA’s walls and it falls to the conservators to prepare the works for hanging or display to cope with exposure to the elements; the predictable – the light, the dust and the temperature, factors they can tightly control and the unpredictable – the public.

David, Stephanie, Kate and Natalie work very closely with the curators at AGWA. It is vital that they know as much as they can about the print, painting or object in front of them, the artist, its history. The conservators and curators share the common goal of seeking to maintain the integrity of the artist’s original work; the materials they chose and the artists’ intent are integral to this. They also hunt for any useful information recorded about how it has been stored or previously treated or repaired, which is not always readily available.

David Graves, Senior Conservator, Objects and Projects, is currently working on a pair of wrought iron ‘fire dogs’ from circa 1900, by Nelson Dawson from the United Kingdom. (Friends might have seen Nelson and Edith Dawson’s silver Triptych, c1904 in the Top left Natalie Hewlett working on Jeffrey Smart’s The directors, 1977

Left Daisy Rossi’s Untitled [landscape, sunrise scene], c 1890 – c 1910 and pigments in the conservation lab.

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artifacts august 2012–november 2012

www.artfriends.com.au

Our Collection galleries). Unlike paintings and works on paper that have long been considered ‘art’, many ‘objects’ or ‘craft’, have not and David does not often have at his disposal detailed records documenting the materials used by the artist or subsequent records of any repair or treatment. He knows that the fire dogs are wrought iron and they were removed by somebody at AGWA in 1960 to be cleaned or treated but there is no record of what treatment, if any, they received. He thinks from his examination that they have been coated in a wax and possibly this was done to protect them. He is in the process of removing the wax, which has yellowed considerably, and what he reveals will determine his next step. It wasn’t until the

GUY WARREN Forgotten singers forgotten songs oil and acrylic on canvas 122 x 122cm

1970’s that AGWA’s conservation records began to include ‘objects’

NOT THE WAY HOME

as part of the conservative notion of ‘art’.

21 SEPTEMBER - 24 OCTOBER

Kate Woollett and Stephanie Baily, Paper Conservators, showed me a beautiful gouache on paper by Margaret Forrest, Grevillea Leucopteris (White Plume Grevillea), 1880. French born, Margaret Elvire Forrest was one of Australia’s early botanic artists and the wife of Western Australia’s first Premier, Lord John Forrest. Kate and Stephanie explained how paper moves with time and how the inflexible paint layer reacts and I could discern the flaking paint, which will need repair, under the microscope. It is likely that after

desert paintings from 13 artists including

g u y

w a r r e n

e u a n

m a c l e o d

elisabeth cummings s t e v e

examination is complete and a decision is made as to what type of repair will take place, this paper work will spend some time on Kate and Stephanie’s impressive suction table. The suction table is a

a l a n

l o p e s j o n e s

specialist piece of equipment critical for safe and effective work to be carried out on fragile pieces of art; works on canvas, paper and textile can be treated without affecting the structure or their media. The table works by applying constant suction across its surface holding artworks in place for treatment. It enables Stephanie and Kate to carry out stain removal and other repairs, to wash and apply solvents or to work in a humid environment without damaging the artwork.

Above David Graves cleaning one part of Nelson Dawson’s, Pair of Firedogs, c 1903

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2 2 2 q u e e n v i c t o r i a s t r e e t, n o r t h f r e m a n t l e w a 6 1 5 9 ph. 08 9433 6369 | mail@buratti.com.au

W W W . B U R A T T I . C O M . A U

Scoop_issue33.indd 1

5/7/12 2:08:36 PM

artifacts august 2012–november 2012

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The conservators and curators share the common goal of seeking to maintain the integrity of the artist’s original work…

Natalie Hewlett, Conservator of Paintings has a huge job

the paintings hanging on the gallery walls and the viewing public.

keeping one step ahead in the preservation stakes when it comes

We also examined a small tear that Natalie will need to repair

to the paintings at AGWA. Most of us would consider the picture

and the Impressionist inspired pigments and colours, which Daisy

or paint media itself but surprisingly it is the canvas that is most

used in the early 1900’s, so that Natalie can perfectly match these

vulnerable to dust, to mould, to insects, to movement of air and

in her work.

temperature. Natalie aims to create an environmental buffer by

Conservators are not hidden away in their laboratories all the

installing backing boards on the reverse of the canvasses to prolong

time. They play a critical role at AGWA when decisions are made

the longevity of the paintings. Traditionally paintings were backed

concerning climate control, stipulating humidity and temperature

with plywood, now considered too heavy and potentially acidic,

levels, optimum lighting levels and pest control in accordance with

and not surprisingly conservators are looking to the architectural

best practice. They are also members of the acquisitions committee

and building industries for more suitable materials. Natalie’s

giving expert views as to the long term stability of potential

current material of choice is Di Bond, a composite material,

acquisitions, their longevity and any damage they have sustained

essentially two pieces of razor thin aluminium on either side of

which will inevitably be balanced against the works inherent artistic

a polyethylene core that has the desirable quality of being both

and historical significance.

uniquely light and stable. Natalie’s goal is to make sure that all works in the State Collection of most significance, those iconic

Behind the Scenes Tour

works the public associates with the Gallery, are protected.

The Friends regularly organise a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the

It was a privilege to be shown some oil paintings by Daisy Rossi that Natalie is currently examining and repairing. Rossi grew up

on 16 August has already sold out. Another tour will be offered

in rural South Australia and moved to Perth to continue her art

next year.

training in 1905 and later travelled overseas. Natalie pointed out the fly spots and human spittle that have marked these paintings over time, a gentle reminder of the need to keep some distance between

14

Conservation Lab and Print Room. It is so popular that the tour

artifacts august 2012–november 2012

Below Stephanie Baily examining under the microscope Margaret Forrest’s Grevillea Leucopteris (White Plume Grevillea), 1880

www.artfriends.com.au

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Friendship Friends recently enjoyed the Picasso to Warhol Film Festival opening, ADFAS and ASA lectures as well as an eye-opening tour of local award winning street art.

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Joan Sandover, Ralph Lake, Marie Lake 2 Phil Vincent,Rodney Greaves, Sandra Moran 3 John Gofjmanos, Candice Morton-Smith 4 Judy Paish, Cecilia Cole 5 Helene and David Hamson 6 Ann Brown, Pat Nolan 7 Leanne Casellas 8 Michele O’Sullivan, Zara Yaxley 9 Lin Arias 10 Damon Wallace Photos: Maxine Murray

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10 artifacts august 2012–november 2012

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Sensational Sydney Introducing new arts travel pages for travelling Friends, this edition of Artifacts features Sydney, a city renowned for its natural beauty and for nurturing a world class arts and design culture.

F

rom 27 June to 16 September 2012, Friends can immerse themselves in the spectacle of the 18th Biennale of Sydney. Themed ‘all our relations’ this Biennale focuses

You can’t miss the MCA at The Rocks. It reopened in March this year after an ambitious and much discussed refurbishment

on inclusionary art practices such as ‘collaboration, conversation

and expansion; part of which has seen the creation of two exciting

and compassion in the face of coercion and destruction’. It seeks

rooftop venues that make the most of the incredible views from the

to explore both the connections between – and the isolation

Opera House to the Harbour Bridge.

of – neighbouring artists. A large number of the artists, from 40

The Biennale program at the MCA is extensive covering two

countries, have created new works specifically for the exhibition,

floors and Friends can also attend the stimulating series of creative

including many collaborative installations. Many works are

workshops and lectures inspired by the works of the Biennale. On

interactive, others require direct engagement with artists and some

4 October the MCA will open its much loved annual Primavera

have artists performing throughout the duration. All exhibitions

exhibition, now in it’s 21st year, showcasing young Australian

and public programs are free.

artists under the age of 35. Two highlights for December will be

The four major Biennale venues encompass the Vittoria

the exhibition of new artworks by Indigenous artists from Australia

Biennale Art Walk from the Art Gallery of New South Wales

and around the world curated by artist Brook Andrew and the first

(AGNSW), located on the eastern side of Sydney’s CBD next to

major exhibition in Australia by Mumbai born, British based artist,

the Botanic Gardens (don’t miss a visit to St Mary’s Cathedral

the world renowned sculptor, Anish Kapoor, which forms part of

and Woolloomooloo wharf while you are in this vicinity) to the

the Sydney International Art Series.

Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), Pier 2/3 and Cockatoo Island in the midst of the Harbour. (Remember Friends have reciprocal benefits at AGNSW).

Other exhibitions later in the year at the AGNSW include the 20th anniversary of the iconic Dobell Prize for Drawing (30 November to 3 February 2013) and the much anticipated exhibition Francis 16

Bacon: Five Decades, (17 November 2012 to 17 February 2013).

artifacts august 2012–november 2012

Continue walking to Pier 2/3 at Sydney’s historic Walsh Bay waterfront precinct where you’ll find three large scale Biennale Above Philip Beesley, Hylozoic Series (detail) 2010 (installation view), 3000 x 1500 x 400 cm, © Philip Beesley Architect Inc. Image courtesy of the Biennale of Sydney.

www.artfriends.com.au

works on two levels. Adjacent is the Sydney Theatre Company’s home base at The Wharf, Pier 4/5.

The fourth Biennale venue is spectacularly set at the World Heritage listed Cockatoo Island that Friends can reach by hopping on the regular ferry service leaving from Circular Quay. This island is replete with history, initially for Indigenous tribes, later in 1839 as a penal base with convict built barracks, military guardhouses and later for its maritime history with the building of Fitzroy Dock prominent in both World Wars.

Tempting as it is to remain within the spectacular Harbour precinct you should venture out to some of the many private galleries and artistic pockets scattered in the City’s suburbs. Go east to Paddington and visit the not for profit Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation (16-20 Goodhope Street) championing innovation and education. Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, tucked away in Soudan Lane, is famous for propelling the talents of Australian artists onto the international stage including Tracey Moffat, Fiona Hall and Bill Henson (exhibiting 20 September – 13 October). Photomedia fans can revel in the many photography galleries including Stills (36 Gosbell Street), Australian Centre for Photography (257 Oxford Street) and Blender Galleries (16 Elizabeth Street).

After leaving Paddington venture a short distance to Surry Hills to visit the Brett Whitely Gallery at the artists former home and studio (2 Raper Street), but note that it is only open to the general public on weekends. Nearby is Object: Australian Centre for Design, a leading design gallery renowned for its dynamic exhibitions and nurturing high quality and innovative craftsmanship (St Margarets, 417 Bourke Street). The famously controversial Ray Hughes Gallery (270 Devonshire St) represents Australian, New Zealand and Chinese Contemporary artists as well as holding a significant stock of German Expressionist graphics.

Friends should definitely consider a visit to 2 Danks Street in Waterloo, (4km south of Sydney’s CBD and now a gastronomic area for foodies), established in 2001 by arts patron Leo Christie and comprising a complex of nine galleries and studios. Spoilt for choice there is an incredible range of exhibitions coming up although a highlight will be Going Gaga with Dada: A dedication to spontaneity, chaos, innovation and nonsense curated by Akky van Ogtrop and due to open at Brenda May Gallery from 21 August to 8 September. Hungry Friends can feast at Danks Street Depot cafe and bar, a champion of local seasonal produce.

A wonderful way to get to know the cultural heart of any city, and some of its secrets, is to join a walking tour. Sydney Art Tours is run by art professionals who conduct small tours of current art at major galleries, commercial spaces, artist run initiatives and studios.

On Saturday afternoons they conduct relaxed three hour walking tours with a variety of themes including Sydney’s public art. Sydney Art Walks also conducts leisurely group and individually tailored art walks and a new ‘artwalk by bus or car’, which focuses on Sydney’s public art by night.

Alternatively pick up a Sydney ARI Guide with maps to over 30 not-for-profit artist-run initiatives (ARIs) in Sydney’s inner city and inner west. www.artfriends.com.au

From top to bottom MCA – Circular Quay entrance. Courtesy the Museum of Contemporary Art Limited. Brett Boardman Photography.

Lee Mingwei, The Mending Project, 2009 (installation view) Image courtesy the Biennale of Sydney. Photograph: Ben Symons Pinaree Sanpitak, Anything Can Break, 2011 (installation view) Image courtesy the Biennale of Sydney. Photograph: Ben Symons

artifacts august 2012–november 2012

17

Take an invigorating walk from Bondi to Bronte in late October and Friends can experience Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi style along the way, including work by our own Ron Gomboc. The 2.5 kilometres, at a leisurely pace, will take around an hour. Once at Bronte, indulge yourself at one of the fabulous cafés. Afterwards, Friends might like to consider a short walk to Bronte House and its magnificent gardens, which sadly are not open during SxS, but are on the weekends of 22/23 September and 24/25 November this year.

There are too many attractions, both arts and gastronomic, to delight Friends in Sydney and to list here. However after a long day of gallery hopping, you cannot miss a visit to the Sydney Opera House, going all out for Aida, South Pacific or Bangarra Dance Theatre after a dinner at Guillaume at Bennelong Restaurant or one of the many eateries around Circular Quay.

UBUD BALI Join us for a unique and culturally rich experience.

Designed for anyone interested in developing their artistic skills - from beginners to professionals and engaging in Bali’s idyllic way of life.

While in Sydney, you could also…

Catch a film at…

Russian Resurrection Film Festival, Chauvel Cinema, Paddington, 30 August – 12 September Lavazza Italian Film Festival, Leichhardt & Paddington Cinemas 15 September – 5 October Catch a train or a bus to…

Palm Beach, Pittwater, the Blue Mountains, the Hunter Valley.

Under the guidance of highly respected and accomplished Australian artists.

Catch a ferry to…

Upcoming workshops by

Useful websites:

JASON BENJAMIN KERRIE LESTER GARRY SHEAD

Taronga Zoo, Manly, Parramatta, Mosman or Watsons Bay.

www.au.timeout.com/sydney bos18.com artgallery.nsw.gov.au mca.com.au

Contact Michael Nagy 0410 66 10 14 info@fineartretreats.com.au www.fineartretreats.com.au EXPERIENCE • CREATIVITY • INSPIRATION

cockatooisland.gov.au 2danksstreet.com.au sydneyarttours.com.au sydneyartwalks.com.au sydneyferries.info

Trivia The Sydney Harbour Bridge, nicknamed by Sydney siders as the ‘Coat Hanger’, officially opened in 1932. It cost AU$20 million and took until 1988 to pay off. The original toll was sixpence!

The netting above the Orchestra Pit in the Sydney Opera House was installed when a live chicken in an opera performance ended up on a musician’s head.

The first performance at the Opera House was Paul Robeson singing ‘Ol Man River’ to a group of construction workers, in their lunch break, whom he reached by climbing the scaffolding.

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artifacts august 2012–november 2012

www.artfriends.com.au

Books, Websites & Trivia Larrakitj Friends will recall the beautiful exhibition of Larrakitj in 2009 at the Gallery, which displayed the work by Yolngu artists from North East Arnhem Land. Traditionally Larrakitj were used to contain the bones of the deceased during mortuary ceremonies.

Today, Yolngu artists produce modern versions for the education of all peoples.

Collected for a decade, the Larrakitj collection of 110 memorial poles form a Luminous World

special part of the Kerry Stokes collection.

From the Wesfarmers Collection of

This beautifully illustrated book features

Australian Art. Contemporary Art +

photos of the artworks and the artists with

New Writing

comprehensive biographies and stunning

The 176 page catalogue accompanying

images of Arnhem Land.

the Luminous World exhibition at AGWA

Edited by Ann Marie Brody. Published by Australian Capital Equity, distributed by Fremantle Press.

RRP: $85.00

showcases the work of 55 contemporary artists selected from the Wesfarmers

2013 Magabala Australian Indigenous Diary Launched in 1987, Magabala Books is a notfor-profit Indigenous publishing house based

Collection by curator Helen Carroll.

in Broome that aims to promote, preserve

It illustrates how the collection has evolved

and publish Indigenous Australian culture.

in recent years, particularly in response to

The practical diary includes stunning

the flourishing of contemporary Indigenous

reproductions of artworks from artists from

art, and follows the exhibition theme around

around Australia with photographs by

the artists’ physiological, psychological,

leading Indigenous photographer, Wayne

perceptual and symbolic responses to the

Quilliam. As well as visually appealing

phenomenon of light. Included are full colour

the diary includes information on the

plates of the artworks by artists including

background to the images and artists as

Rosalie Gascoigne, Howard Taylor and

well as significant dates in Indigenous

Michael Riley and the special commissions

history. Other recent Magabala releases

from artist Bill Henson, musician Richard

include Dingo’s Tree, a beautifully illustrated

Mills and poet John Kinsella.

children’s book that is both touching and

A Wesfarmers exhibition in association with the Art Gallery of Western Australia and Fremantle Press.

hard-hitting as it tells the tale of Dingo, Wombat and Crow and the devastation

Top Gretchen Albrecht (b1943) Pink and orange sherbet sky 1975 acrylic on canvas 177.0 x 166.0cm The Wesfarmers Collection, image courtesy of the artist © Gretchen Albrecht

surrounding them caused by mining.

2013 Magabala Australian Indigenous Diary available from August 2012, RRP $29.95. Dingos’ Tree, RRP $19.95. Magabala Books are available in all good bookshops and online from www.magabala.com

www.artnet.com

www.studiotv.com.au

Friends and serious art lovers alike should take a look at this site

Creative Minds is a new six-part series of intimate documentary

to find up to date news and special features on artists, galleries,

interviews with leading figures in the Australian art world,

auctions and significant events happening in the international art

including Bill Henson, Geoffrey Rush, Stephen Page and Kate

market. Artnet.com is a great resource but also a wonderful place

Grenville. STUDIO channel can be viewed on Foxtel and YouTube

to browse numerous galleries and exhibitions online.

and is a mine of arts coverage.

www.artfriends.com.au

artifacts august 2012–november 2012

19

What’s on at the Gallery For more information about the Gallery’s exhibitions and events visit: www.artgallery.wa.gov.au AUGUST ARTBAR – Owl Eyes: 16 August Sunday Talks at AGWA SEPTEMBER JEFF WALL Photographs Until 10 September 2012 Sunday Talks at AGWA OCTOBER Luminous World – Contemporary Art from the Wesfarmers Collection Opens 20 October 2012 ARTBAR – Paul Capsis: 11 October NOVEMBER ARTBAR – Josh Pyke: 8 November DECEMBER Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters Until 3 December 2012 ONGOING Your Collection 1800 – today Shadow quartet – William Kentridge

Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters Until 3 December 2012

This exhibition is organised by

Literary Links Tour – 6pm

Picasso to Warhol is the first exhibition

The Museum of Modern Art, New

Literary Links dips into an assortment

in a series of six exciting shows from The

York and The Art Gallery of Western

of literature surrounding some of the

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New

Australia, Perth.

most inspiring modern artists of the

York. It features a rich selection of over

Exhibition admission fees apply.

20th Century. Explore poetry, novels,

120 works by the world’s most important

Tickets for all events are available through

articles and much more in an enlightening

and inspiring modern artists: Pablo

www.ticketek.com.au or at the AGWA

synchronisation of visual art and the

Picasso, Henri Matisse, Piet Mondrian,

Ticket Desk. www.momaseries.comau

written word.

Marcel Duchamp, Giorgio de Chirico, Joan

After Work Wednesdays

Entertainment – 7.30pm

Miró, Alexander Calder, Jackson Pollock,

Picasso to Warhol is open until 8pm every

Premium Jazz, co-ordinated by Jamie

Louise Bourgeois, Romare Bearden, Jasper

Wednesday night. Call into the Gallery

Oehlers, winner of 2007 Australian

Johns and Andy Warhol. Together, this

on your way home for a mid-week art fix.

Musician of the Year and Coordinator

group transformed the art and culture of

Complement your visit with a drink and a

of Jazz Studies at the Western Australian

the twentieth century.

bite to eat at the Art Gallery Café.

Academy of Performing Arts.

Constantin Brancusi, Fernand Léger,

The Gallery has become a hub of

20

activity featuring live entertainment,

AGWA Nights

music, Literary Links tours and more.

$19 admission from 5.30pm

The Café has a new NYC-inspired menu,

Every Friday night during the Picasso to

the Gallery Shop is stocking exclusive

Warhol exhibition, the Gallery is hosting a

designer products from the renowned

series of live music performances. Visit the

MoMA store and the Manhattan-inspired

exhibition, attend a Literary Links tour of

popup bar and lounge offers visitors a little

Picasso to Warhol and enjoy a drink while

taste of NYC.

listening to some of WA’s best musicians.

artifacts august 2012–november 2012

www.artfriends.com.au

Wall’s photographs are based on

Season One – June to August

entry or save $59 with a Series pass $115

3 August, Tom O’Halloran Trio

(incl. all lectures and unlimited individual

firsthand observations of everyday

10 August, Abbey Foster Falle Trio

entry into Picasso to Warhol, excl. Friday

situations and incidents recalled, often

17 August, Simon Jeans Trio

nights and special events.) Lectures include:

reconstructed by means of what the

24 August, TLC

New Forms: Sculpture + Modernism

artist calls a ‘cinematographic approach’.

31 August, Jamie Oehlers Trio

Pop Culture + Pop Art

His approach is to remember and recreate

Season Two – September to November

Neo-Dada: Jasper Johns +

situations so they can be photographed.

Stay tuned for an exciting lineup of

Robert Rauschenberg

WA bands put together in partnership

Jackson Pollock + Abstract Expressionism

with West Australian Music (WAM) and comedy nights hosted by Dave Callan.

Friends’ are invited to a Floor Talk with Gary Dufour, Chief Curator | Deputy Director on Sunday 9 September,

Art Workshops (ages 16+), presented by

2pm. $30, bookings required.

the Central Institute of Technology.

Guided Tours

The Bureau of Ideas at AGWA

Monday: Literary Links 2pm

October School Holiday Activities

Wednesday 8 August 2012 at 6.30pm,

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday:

AWESOME Family Fun Day at AGWA

$10 & $5 concession at the door

Picasso to Warhol 2pm

FREE (exhibition entry fees apply)

Saturday, Sunday: Picasso to Warhol

Sunday 14 October

12pm & 2pm

The Bureau of Ideas has organised provocative symposiums in cafés and pubs since 2003. Participate in The Bureau of

Wednesday Night: Picasso to Warhol 6pm

For more information on the exhibition and

Ideas at the Art Gallery Café. The title of

Friday Night: Literary Links 6pm

associated events please visit the dedicated

this discussion is Jeff Wall: The Seduction of

website: www.momaseries.com.au

Fiction, which will be considered by guest

CollaborART The Art Gallery of Western Australia and a range of community partners are proud to present the first series of CollaborART, an

JEFF WALL Photographs

speakers Philip Goldswain of UWA and Dr. Juha Tolonen of ECU.

Luminous World

AGWA initiative, which involves AGWA

Until 10 September 2012

Contemporary Art from the

and like-minded organisations working

Jeff Wall is recognised throughout the world

Wesfarmers Collection

together to foster arts participation in

as one of the most innovative and influential

Opens Saturday 20 October 2012

the community.

artists of our time. This exhibition is the first

The Art Gallery of Western Australia is

Australian survey of his work and brings

proud to partner with Wesfarmers Arts to

Modern Masters in your own way by

together 26 photographs to present an

present Luminous World – Contemporary

participating in a CollaborART activity.

overview of his outstanding achievements.

Art from the Wesfarmers Collection.

Explore Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen

All paid activities include same day exhibition entry.

Adult Activities Sunday Talks at AGWA – Modernism in Visual Culture Series, presented by the Central Institute of Technology $26 per lecture includes Picasso to Warhol Left Tom O’Halloran Trio Right Jeff Wall, Double Self-Portrait 1979 transparency in light box, AP 172 x 229 cm Courtesy of the artist © Jeff Wall Opposite top Marcel Duchamp (American, born France. 1887-1968) Anemic Cinema, 1926 35mm film, Black and white, silent, 6 minutes (approx.)

The Museum of Modern Art, New York.

Acquired from the artist.

Preserved with funding from the Celeste Bartos Film Preservation Fund. © 2012 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York/ ADAGP, Paris/Estate of Marcel Duchamp.

www.artfriends.com.au

artifacts august 2012–november 2012

21

The Wesfarmers Collection is amongst the pre-eminent corporate collections

ARTBAR 2012

of Australian Art and reflects the vision

Where music, food, wine and art

of successive Managing Directors in

come together.

developing and supporting such a major

This season, ARTBAR tickets include entry

artistic resource. The contemporary area of

into the Picasso to Warhol exhibition on the

this distinguished Collection is a notable

night, prior to the main performance, so be

strength and the exhibition focuses on

early and make your visit one to remember.

the specific theme of how contemporary artists variously utilise the phenomenon

Owl Eyes

of light in their work. This is a unique

Thursday 16 August

opportunity for visitors to the Gallery

Featuring twice in Triple J’s Hottest 100

to view an innovative thematic selection

this year, Owl Eyes brings together startling

of 60 contemporary works from the

vocals and vivid lyrics. Owl Eyes will take

Wesfarmers Collection and for Wesfarmers

you on a journey of escapism with her

Josh Pyke

to share one of its great assets with the

breezy, indie-pop songs.

Thursday 8 November – Outdoor event

public across Australia. Some 50 artists are

One of Australia’s premier singer/

featured in the exhibition including: Susan

Paul Capsis

songwriters, Josh Pyke is a modern-day

Norrie, Howard Taylor, Dale Frank, Paddy

Thursday 11 October

storyteller whose unique and evocative

Bedford, Bill Henson, Brian Blanchflower,

Welcome to the Paul Capsis Revue!

use of both words and music places him

Brook Andrew, Patricia Piccinini, Timothy

Award winning star of stage and screen, Paul

a league of his own.

Cook and Barupu Yunupingu.

Capsis, joined by musical wizard Andrew Patterson, will take you on a journey with

Previous events at ARTBAR have sold

premiering at the Art Gallery of Western

rock and pop songs that include David

out prior to the performance so purchase

Australia and will be on display from

Bowie, Patti Smith, Lou Reed and Prince.

your tickets early.

The exhibition will tour nationally

20 October 2012 to 11 February 2013.

Tickets for all events are available through www.ticketek.com.au or at the AGWA

Ticket Desk or on 132 849. Doors and Gallery exhibition open at 6.30pm. Performances commence approximately 7.15pm. Event closes 10pm. Food and wine available for purchase.

Top right Paul Capsis. Photo: Penelope Beveridge

Under 18’s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. General admission, some limited seating available. For more information visit: www.artgallery.wa.gov.au/ARTBAR

PINOCCHIO WORLD PREMIERE

15 > 29 September 2012 His Majesty’s Theatre with West Australian Symphony Orchestra Choreography: Ivan Cavallari Music: Enrico Melozzi Set: Edoardo Sanchi Costumes: Maria Porro Lighting: Jon Buswell Conductor: Myron Romanul

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artifacts august 2012–november 2012

Tickets $25-$106. Book now at BOCS (08) 9484 1133 or waballet.com.au PINOCCHIO PRESENTED BY

PRINCIPAL PARTNER

www.artfriends.com.au

Spreading its Wings

T

presents the

2012

Black Swan Prize for Portraiture & Heritage

he annual Black Swan Prize for Portraiture, hatched in 2007, has

rapidly grown from strength to strength. The exhibitions never cease to enthrall audiences

ARTrinsic Inc. invites you to view the stunning display of artworks competing for the prestigious $40,000 Portraiture Prize and the $20,000 Heritage Prize.

and have attracted loyal sponsorships to offer enticing prize monies.

Each year approximately 40 artworks by Australia’s top

Black Swan Prize for Portraiture

1st prize of $40,000 Lester Group Prize

portraiture artists are chosen for display in Perth, to compete for the prestigious Lester Group Prize of $40,000. Past finalists and Peoples Choice Award winners include local artists Peteris Ciemetis, Nigel Hewitt, Daevid Anderson, Peter Kendall and Judy Rogers.

School students and adolescent patients at Princess Margaret

Black Swan Prize for Heritage

1st prize of $20,000

Hospital are also encouraged to exhibit alongside the renowned portrait artists in the Youth Portraiture Awards, and with prizes worth over $3000 it’s a great incentive to spur on the budding young artists.

This year the Black Swan has spread its wings and joined forces

Exhibition Dates: 21st September – 1st October 2012

with Heritage Perth to offer the Black Swan Prize for Heritage (Portrait of a City) with a prize pool of over $22,000. The prize has been set up to raise awareness and appreciation of the built and natural Heritage of Central Perth. Tina Wilson, the driving force behind the Awards, explained that for the purposes of this Award, “Heritage is defined as those things from the past which are valued enough today to save for the people of tomorrow”.

Artists from all over Australia can enter using diverse media from painting, drawing, printmaking and photography to digital

Venue: Linton & Kay Gallery, 137 St Georges Terrace, Perth.

Contact: Tina Wilson – 0432 275 690 w w w. b l a c k s w a n p r i z e. c o m . a u

media; and during the exhibition there are artist talks, tours and workshops to entertain and educate us all about the awe-inspiring and age-old practice of portraiture.

Visit the website for more information: www.blackswanprize.com.au

Win Two Tickets!

Artrinsic Inc, creators of the Black Swan Prize, are offering Friends members a chance to win two tickets to the Major Awards Night held on Thursday 27 September at 137 St. Georges Terrace.

To be in contention for this fabulous prize you need to email Kay at kay.campbell@artgallery.wa.gov.au before midnight Sunday

The Black Swan Prize for Portraiture Founding Sponsor the Lester Group

26 August 2012. The winner will be notified by email.

Top 2011 Winning portrait by Kristone Capistrano

www.artfriends.com.au

artifacts august 2012–november 2012

23

WA, Australia & the World

A selection of exhibitions, biennales, art fairs & events GALLERY CENTRAL 12 Aberdeen St, Perth 6000 W: gallerycentral.com.au T: 08 94271318 Open: Mon-Fri 10am – 4.45pm 2012 Graduating Fundraiser Auction View 1/2 August 10am-6pm; Hammer Down 2 August 6pm Metamorphosis 2012 11 – 25 August 3D Now 2012 1 – 15 September WESTERN AUSTRALIA Albany – Western Australian Museum Residency Road, Albany 6330 W: museum.wa.gov.au T: 08 9841 4844 Open: 10am – 4:30pm, entry free Max Dupain on Assignment 7 Jul 2012 – 23 Sep 2012 BUNBURY REGIONAL ART GALLERIES 64 Wittenoom Street, Bunbury 6230 W: brag.org.au T: 08 9721 8226 Open: 10am-4pm every day, entry free Olga Cironis: Fajr 21 July – 9 September Tinker Tailor Soldier Sailor: 100 Women 100 Brooches 100 Stories 11 August – 23 September Neil Turner: South West Showcase 20 October – 9 December BURATTI FINE ART 222 Queen Victoria Street, North Fremantle 6159 W: buratti.com.au T: 08 9433 6369 Open: Wed – Sat 10am – 6pm Not the Way Home Desert Paintings from 13 Artists 21 September – 24 October

Top left Jakayu Biljabu, Pitu & Yarturti, acrylic on linen, 76 x 152cm Top right Stuart Elliott, Sub Villendorph 2012, oil on plywood, 80 x 40cm Right Bill Anderson, Mulpula 2008, acrylic on linen, 76 x 102 cm, The Lepley Collection Opposite left Gallery Central Graduating Fundraiser Auction Opposite right Clare Peake, dead reckoning (z) 2012, graphite on paper, 90 x 55 cm

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artifacts august 2012–november 2012

FREMANTLE ARTS CENTRE 1 Finnerty St, Fremantle 6160 W: fac.org.au T: 08 9432 9555 Open 10am – 5pm, 7 days The Irregular Correct: New Art From Glasgow; World Music by Andrew Varano 21 July – 16 September Fremantle Arts Centre Print Award, Supported by Little Creatures Brewing; Performprint by Joel Gailer & Michael Meneghetti 22 September – 18 November We Don’t Need A Map: A Martu Experience of the Western Desert 17 November 2012 – 20 January 2013 GALERIE DÜSSELDORF 9 Glyde Street, Mosman Park 6012 W: galeriedusseldorf.com.au Open: Wed – Fri 11am – 5pm, Sun 2 – 5pm Thea Costantino: The Ancestors/ Kevin Robertson: Paintings 26 August – 23 September

GALLERY EAST 94 Stirling Highway, North Fremantle 6159 W: galleryeast.com.au T: 08 9336 6231 Open: Tue – Sat 11am – 5pm, Sun 2 – 5pm Mid West artists: Marina Baker, Bruce Bradfield, Helen Clarke, Kate Thompson, Gera Woltjer & Gabrielle Woodhams 27 July – 19 August Jorg Schmeisser: prints & Keiko Schmeisser: textiles 24 August – 16 September Print Council Commission Prints 20 September – 23 September Martin Heine: paintings & Stewart Scambler: ceramics 28 September – 14 October Patricia Tonello: paintings 19 October – 4 November Tony Windberg: mixed media 9 November – 25 November Christmas Show and Closing Sale 30 November – 16 December Greater Geraldton Regional Art Gallery 24 Chapman Road Geraldton WA 6530 W: artgallery.cgg.wa.gov.au T: 08 9964 7170 Open: Tue – Sat 10am to 4pm, Sun & Pub Hols 1 – 4pm, closed Monday Jeff Mincham: Ceramics 23 June – 23 September Kimberley Aboriginal Artists: sharing difference on common ground 30 June – 2 September

www.artfriends.com.au

GREENHILL GALLERIES 6 Gugeri Street, Claremont 6010 W: greenhillgalleries.com T: 08 9383 4433 Open: Tue – Fri 10am – 5pm, Sat 10am – 4pm Zhong Chen 9 – 25 August Spring – group exhibition 7 – 22 September GOMBOC GALLERY SCULPTURE PARK James Road, Middle Swan Open: Wed-Sun, 10am-5pm T: 08 9274 3996 W: gomboc-gallery.com.au Lance Chadd Kwidjang Koorah Koorah Kwidjang (Along Time Ago) Koorah Koorah (Before A Long Time Ago) 5 August – 2 September

HEATHCOTE MUSEUM & GALLERY 58-60 Duncraig Road, Applecross W: melvillecity.com.au/facilities/museums/ heathcote T: 08 9364 5666 Open: Tue – Fri 10am – 3pm; Sat – Sun 12 – 4pm; Closed Mon & public hols Denise Brown: Tilting at Windmills 7 July – 12 August WA Quilters Association: stitched & bound 2012 18 August – 23 September Eva Fernandez: Tilt 2012 10 November – 19 December John Curtin Gallery Curtin University, Building 200, Kent Street, Bentley W: johncurtingallery.curtin.edu.au T: 08 9266 4155 Open: Mon – Fri 11am – 5pm; Sun 1 – 4pm Spinifex: People of the Sun and Shadow 24 August – 12 October DofA2012 2 November – 14 December

KALAMUNDA OPEN STUDIOS Sunday 14 October; 10am – 5pm Cedric Baxter, David Thornton, Hugh McDonald, Janet Yates, Judith Dinham, Kiara Rechichi-Baker, Mikaela Castledine, Moira Court, Penny Maddison, Robin Dale, Robyn Beardsell, Sarah Keirle, Stephen Castledine, Susan Carameli, Ursula Wildisen, Valerie McDonald.

W: kalamundaopenstudios.wordpress.com Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley T: 08 6488 3707 W: lwgallery.uwa.edu.au Open: Tue – Fri 11am – 5pm, Sun 12 – 5pm Closed Public Holidays, Free Admission Jimmy Pike’s Artlines – You Call It Desert, We Used To Live There 29 June – 15 December Perth ’62 – Empire and Universe 10 August – 06 October Here & Now 2012 10 August – 06 October

Zig Zag Gallery - Upcoming Exhibitions August 12−31:

September 1−28: September 29 − October 7: October 12 − November 5: November 6−15:

Earth, Water, Air & Fire − Susan Angwin and Maureen den Haan Desert, Forest & WhistlePipe − A solo exhibition by Robin Dale Spring in the Hills Photographic − The Gem Camera Club Annual Exhibition Neil Elliott & Rachel Gillam − Playful pieces in a broad range of media Seniors Week Art & Craft Exhibition − Annual Exhibition

50 Railway Rd, Kalamunda • (08) 9257 9998 • zzcc@kalamunda.wa.gov.au 9am–4pm M-F, 10am–4pm weekends & public holidays • www.zzcc.com.au www.artfriends.com.au

artifacts august 2012–november 2012

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On Show From June to September at the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery Kimberley Aboriginal Artists: sharing difference on common ground

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Mundaring Hills Open Studios Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 October, 10am – 5pm Brian Aylward, Greg Crowe, Jeremy Holton, Judy Kotai, Graeme Pages-Oliver, Joel Smoker, Neil Elliott, Willem Heyneker, Christine Hingston.

W: mundaring-hills-open-studios.org.au

30 JUNE TO 2 SEPTEMBER

The tour of this exhibition is managed by Art on the Move

Perth Centre for Photography 100 Aberdeen Street, Northbridge 6003 W: pcp.org.au T: 08 6460 9892 Open: Thu/Fri 12pm – 5pm, Sat/Sun 12pm – 4pm Daniel King – Look Closer 2 August – 2 September 2012 Uncover award/Jeremy Blincoe 11 October – 11 November 20th Anniversary Exhibition 15 November – 16 December PERTH GALLERIES 92 Stirling Highway, North Fremantle 6159 W: perthgalleries.com.au T: 08 9433 4414 Open Tue – Fri 10am – 5pm, Sat 11am – 5pm, Sun 2 – 5pm Judy Rogers 24 August – 16 September Jeremy Kirwan-Ward and Chris Hopewell 21 September – 14 October Rachel Coad 19 October – 11 November Swan Song Show 16 November – 7 December

Jeff Mincham: Ceramics

PORT HEDLAND Courthouse Gallery 16 Edgar Street, Port Hedland 6721 W: courthousegallery.com.au T: 08 9173 1064 Open: Mon – Fri: 9am – 4.30pm, Sat/Sun 9am – 2pm 2012 Hedland Art Awards 24 August – 13 October TURNER GALLERIES 470 William St, Northbridge 6003 W: turnergalleries.com.au T: 08 9227 1077 Open: Tue – Sat 11am – 5pm Stuart Elliott at the Melbourne Art Fair 2 – 5 August 2012 Paul Caporn & Geoff Overheu solo exhibitions 17 August – 15 September Alasdair McLuckie & Holly Story solo exhibitions 21 September – 20 October

23 JUNE TO 23 SEPTEMBER Jeff Mincham: Ceramics is an Object Touring Exhibition and is part of the Living Treasures: Masters of Australian Craft series

24 Chapman Road Geraldton WA 6530 t: 9964 7170 e: grag@artgallery.wa.gov.au w: www.artgallery.cgg.wa.gov.au

Opening hours Tues-Sat 10am-4pm Sunday & Public Holidays 1-4pm Admission Free – Donations welcome

Venn Gallery 16 Queen Street, Perth 6000 W: venn.net T: 08 9321 8366 Open: Tue – Sat 10am – 5pm, Fri 10am – 7pm Spatial Drawing 27 July – 31 August Tane Andrews 7 Sep – 12 Oct Matt Doust 19 Oct – 23 Nov

Top Rachel Coad, Frontier GRAG-Artifacts-hpv-v1.indd 1

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artifacts august 2012–november 2012

8/07/12 10:29 AM

www.artfriends.com.au

INTERSTATE Napoleon: Revolution to Empire 2 June – 7 October 2012 A panoramic exhibition examining French art, culture and life from the 1770s to the 1820s. Its story runs from the first French voyages of discovery to Australia during the reign of Louis XV to the end of Napoleon’s transforming leadership as first Emperor of France. [ngv.vic.gov.au] 18th Biennale of Sydney 27 June – 16 September 2012 ‘All our relations’ features site-specific commissions and new collaborative work at major venues across Sydney including the Art Gallery of NSW, the newly redeveloped Museum of Contemporary Art, and former shipyard and prison, Cockatoo Island. [biennaleofsydney.com.au] Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces from the Prado 21 July – 4 November 2012 Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane A magnificent survey of the development of painting in Spain over three and a half centuries, and the first ever collection of work from Madrid’s esteemed the Museo Nacional del Prado to visit Australia. [qagoma.qld.gov.au] The 29th Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards 10 August – 28 October Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory The Award aims to showcase the very best Australian Indigenous art from around the country. It is the nation’s first and longest-running award dedicated to Indigenous art and artists. [nretas.nt.gov.au]

OF OUR

INTERNATIONAL Manifesta 9 2 June – 30 September 2012, Genk, Limburg, Belgium This roving and innovative biennial of contemporary art changes it location in Europe every two years – this year it’s in Limburg.

Manifesta purposely strives to stay away from the ‘dominant centres of artistic production, instead seeking fresh and fertile terrain for the mapping of a new cultural topography’. [manifesta9.org] GERHARD RICHTER – PANORAMA 6 June – 24 September 2012, Centre Pompidou, Paris This exhibition brings together nearly 160 works by Richter, from the 1960s to the present day, it shows the brilliant experiments carried out by the painter through a wide variety of pictorial styles. From “photopaintings” to abstraction, from grisaille and monochrome works to coloured charts, he reinterpreted the genres of history of art: portraits, history paintings and landscapes. [centrepompidou.fr] dOCUMENTA (13) 9 June – 16 September 2012, Kassel, Germany Only taking place every five years, dOCUMENTA runs for 100 days in multiple venues across the city, demonstrating how contemporary art can contribute to our understanding of the world. [d13.documenta.de] Arab Express 16 June – 28 October 2012, Mori Art Museum, Tokyo, Japan This is the first exhibition in Japan showcasing contemporary Arab art on a large scale, featuring works mainly produced since 2000 by 34 participants from 10 Arab countries, spanning Iraq and Oman in the East to Egypt in the West, with a focus on the Arabian Peninsula. [mori.art.museum]

Perth… the Pilbara is coming Come and see over 200 artworks by Pilbara-based Aboriginal artists. Immerse yourself in the stories, culture and traditions of the magnificent Pilbara landscape, and the people who call it home.

All work is for sale with proceeds supporting the artists, their art groups and their communities.

10 to 21 September 2012 10am to 4pm daily Central Park building foyer 152-158 St Georges Tce, Perth ciwa.riotinto.com

Liverpool Biennial 2012 15 September – 25 November, Liverpool, UK The UK Biennial of Contemporary Art explores notions of hospitality.

Permanent and temporary public artworks as well as long-term community-based projects have been commissioned with an extensive program each week of the festival including film, performance, comedy, music, archaeology, expeditions, poetry, dance and a Young Peoples’ Biennial. [liverpoolbiennial.co.uk]

www.artfriends.com.au

artifacts august 2012–november 2012

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FRED WILLIAMS TURRITABLE FALLS I, 1979 • EST: $ 220,000 – 280,000

important fine art auction melbourne • 29 august 2012 including selected works de-accessioned from the Wesfarmers Collection

t. 03 9865 6333 • illustrated catalogue online • www.deutscherandhackett.com