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ART INSIGHT
March 07
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Back Issues
#25 - February 2008 Like to see more? Click here to request an issue dating back to October 2005. |
In Focus
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ANDREW MCILROY | ||
Lumière 2008
When viewing the ethereal canvasses of Andrew McIlroy’s “Lumière”, one might be struck by a sensation of living deep within 19th century Romanticism; such is the strength of emotion conveyed in these billowing cloudscapes and heavenly views. Transformed by a recent study tour to the museums of France, McIlroy’s exposure to John Constable’s vastness of sky and cloud, Théodore Géricault’s awesome power of nature, and the “painter of light” J.M.W Turner’s great mastery of atmosphere, is certainly apparent. In technique too, McIlroy has learned much from the masters. Employing the methodical techniques of the Dutch tradition, 100’s of hours layering transparent glazes has achieved his goal of capturing an “authentic experience” of landscape. As active participants within these works, we are drawn towards an intensity of feeling, expressed cleverly through McIlroy’s limited palette and tonal variation. Indeed, that most romantic of 19th Century poets, Samuel Taylor Coleridge could be proud! Yet McIlroy’s obsession with sky alone in these vast scaled, semi abstract oils, has allowed him the freedom to explore colour intensity, mood and the “Australianness” of light, as entities themselves, thus placing him firmly within 21st century art practice. In this, he is closer still to one of the greatest of modern Australian painters, Lloyd Rees. Rees, who was also preoccupied with depicting the effects of light, similarly employed Turner-like simplicity to convey serenity within the Australian landscape-a harmony between man and nature. Like McIlroy, Rees’ canvases always showed the influence of European traditions, particularly those of Italy and France, which he visited a number of times throughout his long career. By referencing the great European Romantics and the forefathers of the landscape tradition, like Rees, McIlroy forms a bridge between traditionalism and modernity. As McIlroy explains, “I hope to make people pause for just a moment. My inspiration is simple. To create a beautiful contemporary work that is tangible, familiar and enduring. My struggle then is to capture 'Australianness' without reacting against European influences or composition.”
Brenda Colahan, 2008 Lumière opens on Thursday 11 September and runs until September 26 |
MAIN IMAGE: Andrew McIlroy, Cerulean Oil on linen 185x214cm (*Available) TOP: Andrew McIlroy, Into The Abyss, Oil on linen, 154 x 137 cm (*Available) NEXT: Andrew McIlroy, Splendour, Oil on linen, 183X168cm (*Available) BOTTOM: Andrew McIlroy, Blue Clouds, Oil on linen, 137 x 154cm (*Available) |
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Media View
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TOP: Topsy Peterson Napangardi and Lily Kelly Napangardi at the opening of their exhibition of new works last night NEXT: Lily Kelly Napangardi, Tali (Sandhills) detail, oil on linen, 120x180cm (*Available) NEXT: The late Bill Whiskey Tjapaltjarri pictured last month at Mount Liebig NEXT: Bill Whiskey Tjapaltjarri, Rockholes near Pirupa, Collagraph, Edition of 50, 84 x 60cm, Printmaker: Paul Smith (SOLD) BOTTOM: Laura Matthews at the opening of Devils' Heart this month.
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lily kelly napangardi and topsy peterson napangardi applauded at the opening of their exhibition at art equity last nightArt Equity was delighted to welcome Lily Kelly Napangardi and Topsy Peterson Napangardi (pictured left) to Art Equity for the opening of their exhibition last night. It was the second visit for Lily Kelly to Art Equity - she exhibited in Black and White with Dorothy Napangardi in February 2007. Some of the finest examples of their work are on show in this exhibition and their mesmerising beauty can only be fully appreciated when you stand in front of them- so please try and make a visit to the gallery. The exhibition runs until September 10th.
CLICK HERE to view all works in the exhibition and further information about the artists.
Farewell to Bill whiskey tjapaltjarri circa 1920 - 2008 |
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Top Movers
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Wentja Napaltjarri Art Equity is delighted to offer Art Equity clients the opportunity to purchase printworks by one of Australia's most highly sought and collected Indigenous artists, Wentja Napaltjarri. These two limited edition works (shown right) have been produced exclusively for clients of Art Equity in association with Watiywanu Artists of Amunturrngu. Wentja is a highly talented artist from the Mount Liebig Community, west of Alice Springs in the heart of the Western Desert. A colleague of the late Bill Whiskey Tjapaltjarri, she also belongs to the Watiyawanu Art Centre. Wentja is the daughter of the famous Shorty Lugkata Tjungurrayi, one of the original founders of the Western Desert art movement. Together father and daughter hunted bandicoot, goanna and echidna and dug for Macu (witchety grubs); these animals now form part of Wendja's Tjukurrpa (Dreaming)- handed down to her by her father. Wentja's works have been highly sought for the past decade- being included in such major collections as the Kerry Stokes and Thomas Vroom Collections, the National Aboriginal Art and Culture Institute in Adelaide and many State Gallery and University collections. Wentja's work has been included in leading Australian and International exhibitions, including Masterpieces from the Western Desert, in London in 2008. She has been a finalist in the Telstra National and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award from 2001-2004 and again from 2006-2008. Click here to view larger images of the artwork and more information about the artist
Laura Matthews Congratulations to Art Equity artists, Laura Matthews, Adam Nudelman and Andrew McIlroy for their selection as finalists in the 2008 acquisitive Kings Art Prize. The Kings School Art Fair held on the 16th and 17th August attracted huge crowds keen to view artworks by some of Australia's most keenly collected emerging artists. Art Equity was delighted to contribute as a sponsor of the event.
Makinti Napanangka Makinti Napanangka (pictured right) was the winner of the $40,000 25th Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards, announced last week. The 83 year old artist has been a finalist in the award eight times. A judge of the award, renowned Queensland artist Judy Watson, remarked: "Makinti's painting sang across the space. It has an inner light, and outshines everything else." (The Courier Mail, 16 August 2008) Find out more about this artist >
Jasper Knight Knight is currently working on new diptych collagraphs in collaboration with Master printmaker, Paul Smith. From the same Wharf series as his Mosman Art Prize painting and his 1997 sell-out show in London, the printwork is based on the painting titled Tate and Lyle Refinery (see right for panel II, see ART PORTFOLIO for panel I) . The edition of 50 prints is available now for pre-sale exclusively to Art Equity clients. The prints will be released next month. Find out more about this artist >
Russell Drysdale A painting by Russell Drysdale depicting a farmer from Wagga Wagga sold at Sotheby's on Monday night for $1.890 million (incl.buyers premium) - a new auction record for a work by the artist. Rocky McCormack was estimated to sell for 1,800,000—2,200,000 AUD. |
TOP: Wentja Napaltjarri, Rockhole west of Kintore I Collagraph 68 x 68cm, Edition size: 50, Printmaker: Paul Smith (AVAILABLE) NEXT: Wentja Napaltjarri, Rockhole west of Kintore II Collagraph, 68 x 84cm, Edition size: 50, Printmaker: Paul Smith (AVAILABLE) NEXT: Makinti Napanangka- winner of the 25th Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (Photo courtesy:The Courier Mail) NEXT: Jasper Knight, Tate and Lyle Refinery - Panel II, Collagraph 70x70cm (AVAILABLE) |
Market Watch
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CORRECTION FINALLY HERE? The current economic climate has certainly started to make its mark on the Australian art auction scene. With turnover by volume and turnover by dollar value down as well, one needs to take a careful look at what is actually happening in the this part of the art market- as there are still many positive signs. All the major auction houses have indicated that "after-auction" sales suggest buyers have not nessarily deserted art, they are just not being rushed to purchase on the night. With over 600 artworks for sale across three of the major auction houses; Sotheby's, Bonhams & Goodman and last night, Deutscher and Hackett, there has been plenty of competition for sale rooms to contend with. Looking at the results at Sotheby’s, the first session represents those lots at the top end- which remain strong. Despite less than half of the 83 lots in Session I finding buyers- (41) sold- $5,771,160 is a strong result for those 41- averaging $140,760 per lot. In fact, what appears to be a stronger result for Sotheby's August Session I in 2007, is divided across a higher number of sold lots- 71 from 103, therefore averaging $135,946- a similar result per lot on average. Looking at session II- which traditionally offers all sorts for everyone- past results show better prices realised, averages and statistics, but if these are inferior artworks, offered and sold in a heady, overinflated sellers market – who wants them? The poor results for the lesser works in session II at Sotheby's shows that a level of discernment has entered the auction market. We're seeing a move towards buying major works for around $30,000 by a leading mid-career artist at their gallery - rather than a lesser work by a "safer" name eg. a Whiteley lithograph in less-than-desirable condition. Big ticket items found buyers- The Charles Condor sold at $702,000 -a great result against an estimate of $250,000- 350,000. This indicates that good works, from any period, and well provenanced will sell –even in a quieter auction market. |
But whilst the Condor sold- the Glover didn’t. This could indicate a trend in Australia to follow overseas markets where we are seeing less interest in Old Masters, away from Colonial and even more concentration on the modern and contemporary periods. Whilst the moderns have been hotly sought in recent years- contemporary work is long overdue for a stronger presence in Australian auction sales. It was encouraging to see that the first 17 lots at Sotheby's were living contemporary artists. A promising indicator for the dozens of strong mid-career artists selling in the $20-50,000 price range at their primary galleries who have currently little or no representation in the saleroom. Nine out of those 17 contemporary lots found a home and this trend will keep gaining momentum as auction houses continue scraping the barrel to find good Nolan's, Whiteley's, Boyd's and the like. Were bored! Fresh looks please!
Del Kathryn Barton found a buyer at $72,000, well above the estimate of $40-60,000 and once again a sale price which indicates speculators and profiteering is still at play at auction- which has one wondering given her works are selling at $20,000 in the primary market, indicating the true market value for this artist. Six new world auction records were established at Bonhams and Goodman's on Tuesday night including an oil on canvas by John Russell Belle Ile en Mer, 1904 for $1.976 million. In the words of Geoffrey Smith, Director and National Head of Art for the auction house, "by dollar value it was our most successful sale ever". Deutscher and Hackett's first night presented a solid 61% by volume turnover and a disappionting 49% by dollar value. Once again the sale or otherwise of the major lots has had a significant impact on the success by dollar value on an individual auction. Perhaps these sales indicate the beginning of the correction that the art auction market has needed. In recent years there has been heady auction room bidding, speculation and too swift a turn-around for artworks. This coupled with the absence of really remarkable works across the 2008 August sales - akin to those we saw go under the hammer in 2006 and 2007, would indicate that vendors are holding onto their investments at present, a sensible thing to do at a time when the economy has slowed, equity market is down and all eyes are watching the art market for an indication of a recession. Why would one be encouraged to sell now? In fact- it’s a great time to buy. With the primary market still offering fresh contemporary work at exhibition at non-inflated prices- it is here and now at galleries and private treaty sales that is the savvy buyer's domain. The view is "why be bid-up in an overheated sale room, when one can negotiate?" TOP: Lily Kelly Napangardi, Tali (Sandhills) 2008, Acrylic on linen,155x196cm (*Available) LEFT: Topsy Peterson Napangardi, Tali (Sandhills) 2008,detail, Acrylic on linen, 90x120cm (*Available) |
Rental News
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What's On
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Art Equity Gallery
Robert Hannaford Exhibition Openings To join our Exhibition mailing list, please click here and leave your name, address and email address. Art Education Seminars If you are interested in attending a seminar at Art Equity Gallery, please click here. NSWBiennale of Sydney 2008 Revolutions -Forms that Turn The Biennale includes over 180 artists from 42 countries exhibiting at galleries and public spaces across Sydney. Until 7 September 2008
Art Gallery of NSW Dobell Prize for Drawing 2008
Focus on Contemporary
Kate Beynon Auspicious Charms for Transcultural Living
War: The Prints of Otto Dix Until 26 October 2008 Monet and the Impressionists Video Logic Until 2 November 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Australian Centre for Photography AVATAR the new you Historic Houses Trust
Sydney's pubs: liquor, larrikins & the law Sydney’s pubs: vibrant, noisy, democratic, character-filled, sometimes controversial, always handy for a celebration or a quiet drink at the end of the day – the landscape of the city is unthinkable without them. More than mere commercial purveyors of alcohol, pubs define the pulse, personality and tempo of a city. Until 2 November 2008 ACTNational Gallery of Australia Richard Larter a retrospective Richard Larter is widely considered to be one of Australia’s most distinguished artists. Born in 1929 he arrived in Australia from England in 1962 and, over the ensuing four decades, created an impressive, provocative, lively body of work. Until 14 September 2008 Picture Paradise Picture Paradise is the first ever comparative survey exhibition of the history of photography in the Asia–Pacific region, from the formative decades of the 1840s to 1860s to the early 1940s and the advent of the Second World War. The exhibition chronicles the developments in photography throughout South and Southeast Asia, Australia and the Pacific to the west coast of North America. Early photography in the Asia–Pacific region reveals the beauty and cultural diversity of the region. Until 9 November 2008 Home at last
For the first time ever in Australia, audiences will have the opportunity to see an exhibition on one of the most important and admired Impressionist artists – Edgar Degas (France 1834-1917). 12 December 2008 – 22 March 2009
Animated: Self Portraits Online COMING… Open Air: Portraits and Landscapes My Favourite Australian VICNational Gallery of Victoria - International (NGVI)
291: Photographers in the circle of Alfred Stieglitz Remaking Fashion The cricket and the dragon: Animals in Asian art COMING...
Order and disorder: Archives in photography Andreas Gursky SAArt Gallery of South Australia
Culture Warriors: National Indigenous Art Triennial Until 31 August 2008 Misty Moderns: Australian Tonalists 1915-1950 Until 19 October 2008
Multiplicity: Prints and Multiples Hans Heysen TASTasmanian Museum and Art Gallery Cabinet of Curiosities Mining, Mud and Mirth: Robinson's photographs of Waratah 1913–45 Facture The Big Draw COMING... Grace Cowley Being Modern
Anne Ferran The Ground, The Air ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery Great Railway Journeys of Australia: The Workshops Rail Museum – Queensland Museum Travelling Exhibition Since the introduction of the railways in Australia over 150 years ago, train travel has played an important role in Australian cultural life. This new exhibition, produced by The Workshops Rail Museum, explores the development of Australia’s rail network and showcases some of the most famous railway journeys in Queensland and Australia.
WAArt Gallery of Western Australia Grace Crowley: being modern
Frank Hinder Until 21 September 2008
Wonderlust A dynamic new presentation of the State Art Collection, featuring Indigenous, Australian and international art, craft and design acquired since the Gallery's inception in 1895. This exhibition brings together painting, sculpture, photography, works on paper, craft and projections.
Culture Warriors: National Indigenous Art Triennial A National Gallery of Australia Travelling Exhibition Culture Warriors surveys and celebrates the rich cultural diversity of contemporary Indigenous art practice across regional, remote and urban Australia. Housed within are the voices of artists working in the here and the now. Culture Warriors simultaneously showcases the work of 26 emerging and established artists whose strong and often poignant cultural narratives create a vivid visual dialogue of contemporary life for Indigenous Australians.
The exhibition will showcase outstanding works by sixteen Indigenous artists from across the nation. Each of the artists will bring a unique vision to the Awards and, placed together, their work will reveal the dominant and emerging mediums, subjects and experiences shaping contemporary Indigenous art today.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Perth Institute of Contemporary Art
HelovanorakHelovanorak
If ... so ... then COMING... Silver – Artage 25
NTMuseum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory Arafura Craft Exchange. Trajectory of Memories, Tradition and Modernity in Ceramics The Arafura Craft Exchange introduces audiences to remarkable examples of contemporary craft from Indonesia and Australia. Until 18 January 2009
25th Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award Regarded as one of the premier national Indigenous events on the arts calendar, the 25th Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award offers one of the highest prizes for any art award in Australia. COMING... Timor-Leste Ami Nian Kultura – From the hands of our ancestors – The Traditional and Contemporary Art and Crafts of Timor-Leste This international exhibition will present the traditional and contemporary art and crafts of Timor-Leste. The national collection of Timor-Leste will be complemented with works from the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. This comprehensive, collaborative exhibition of the textiles, ceramics, wooden carvings and body adornment of Timor-Leste will give insights into the distinctive living cultures of this young nation. 22 November 2008 – 12 July 2009 QLDQueensland Art Gallery Picasso & his collection
Place Makers: Contemporary Architects
COMING…
Someone’s Universe: The Art of Eugene Carchesio Premier of Queensland's National Art Award in New Media This exhibition features the work of leading new media artists invited to participate in the inaugural Premier of Queensland’s National Art Award in New Media. Contemporary Australia: Optimism ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Museum of Brisbane
A City Seen: Works from the City of Brisbane Collection
10 Days in August: Memories of the Ekka Bruce Reynolds: non-synthetic cubism While most artists arrange or display objects in a space, Bruce Reynolds uses the space itself as the object for contemplation via clever and discrete interventions. This startling installation disrupts our notion of how architecture usually works. Realising Dreams: Structural Engineering in Brisbane ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Institute of Modern Art Guy Sherwin Cinema of Perception/Cinema of PerformanceGuy SherwinGuy Sherwin
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TOP: Ralph Hobbs pictured with Topsy Peterson Napangardi at the opening of her exhibition at Art Equity MIDDLE: Lily Kelly Napangardi in front of one of her mesmerising canvases at Art Equity BOTTOM: Andrew McIlroy, Lumiere 2008, oil on linen, 183x168cm (Available) |
