Bonhams To Auction Major Works From One Of The Most Significant Private Collections Of Australian Contemporary Art – The Laverty Collection.

To be sold in Sydney at the Museum of Contemporary Art on 24 March 2013, following previews in London, New York and Melbourne.

“The Laverty Collection has evolved in a highly intuitive and personal way, shaped not by any pre-defined plan, but rather by a love of looking at art and a desire to be actively involved with it.” Sue Cramer, 1998. Curator, Heide Museum of Modern Art, Melbourne, formerly of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney.

“We collect with our hearts, not our heads.” Mrs Elizabeth Laverty, 2012.

The private collection of Sydney’s Dr Colin and Mrs Elizabeth Laverty is one of Australia’s greatest, featuring museum-quality works that have been sought by and lent to major galleries around the world, including the Musée du quai Branly in Paris, the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg, and the Museum Ludwig in Cologne.

The Laverty Collection auction is estimated to be worth between $4 million to $6 million, with about 300 lots to be sold, making it Australia’s most valuable sale of a single collection of indigenous and non-indigenous contemporary Australian art. It marks the first time an auction of Australian contemporary art will be previewed internationally, in London and New York – a sign of the collection’s importance.

Central to the Lavertys’ collecting ethos is the belief that Australian indigenous art should be recognised as great contemporary art and viewed alongside that of non-indigenous Australian artists, rather than exhibited separately. The couple has long championed the idea that contemporary indigenous art more than holds its own in the broader story of Australian contemporary art.

A roll call of Australia’s leading artists are represented in the Laverty collection including William Robinson, Rosalie Gascoigne, Peter Booth, Ildiko Kovacs, Ken Whisson, Aida Tomescu, Richard Larter, Louise Hearman, Robert Klippel, Louise Weaver, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Eubena Nampitjin, Mick Namarari Tjapaltjarri, Paddy Bedford, Rover Thomas, Tommy Watson, Sally Gabori and Sunfly Tjampitjin.

Several of the couples’ Whisson paintings are currently on loan to Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art, for its Ken Whisson retrospective, and a number of early Papunya boards on loan to the Musée du quai Branly in Paris, as part of the National Gallery of Victoria’s touring exhibition Tjukurrtjanu: Origins of Western Desert Art.

Bonhams’ senior consultant Tim Klingender said: “During the last four decades, Dr Colin and Mrs Elizabeth Laverty have been among the most active collectors of Australian contemporary art (both indigenous and non-indigenous), continually pursuing works from contemporary art galleries and remote art centres, collecting artists in depth and setting artists’ records when buying exceptional examples at auction.”
“They have witnessed, and been part of, the flourishing trajectory of Australian Aboriginal art, at a time when this constantly evolving field has seen many prices grow exponentially, and new movements and art stars emerge.”

“As Australia’s only international auction house, Bonhams is in a unique position to take this exceptional collection of Australian contemporary art onto the world stage, holding previews at our galleries in London and New York in February and March, and in Melbourne in March, before the exhibition and auction at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney.”

Auction: Sunday, 24 March 2013, Sydney, Museum of Contemporary Art.

Melbourne exhibition details:
Bonhams presents The Laverty Collection
March 2013 (exact dates to be released soon)

fortyfivedownstairs
45 Flinders Lane
Melbourne
fortyfivedownstairs.com

Media enquiries: Gabriella Coslovich, 0425 83 82 83, gabriellacoslovich.media@gmail.com

High Resolution images available on request

Prestigious art prize honours refugee artists

AMES and Multicultural Arts Victoria are excited to announce the 12 winners of the Heartlands Refugee Fine Art Prize, who were honoured at a special exhibition opening at fortyfivedownstairs in Flinders Lane last night.

A total prize pool of $15,000 has been shared by three primary prize-winners, a new arrival prize, a youth prize and seven honourable mentions. First prize is $5,000 plus a solo exhibition and artist in residence opportunity.

The Prize is an important way for artists from a refugee background to contribute and tell their story, with 78 entries received and artists from 15 countries represented this year.

Minela Krupic, took out first prize for her etching Kolekcija. Arriving from Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1997, Minela says her artwork, a series of etchings and digital prints, focuses on the experiences and changes of her migration to Australia from war-torn Bosnia. Minela explores themes of people whose childhood has been marked by the war, refugee experience and exile and looks for a path that may lead to peace, forgiveness and reconciliation in her work.

Originally from Vietnam, Minh Phan, won second prize for his oil on plastic card and canvas artwork called Brimanger Diptych, a piece about self–portrayal and identity. It demonstrates how significant events in history burden the individual with its personal impact.

An oil on canvas piece called Puzzeling In, Puzzeling Out by Sutueal Bekele secured third prize. Originally from Ethiopia, Sutueal has been living in Australia since 1999 and says that whilst his composition denotes a regular game designed to test one’s ingenuity, the reality is it depicts a mindset. “The minute one fathoms what it feels like to have your head held under the water while trying to keep your children’s head afloat – then one can begin to appreciate the tale of refugees,” Sutueal said.

The newly arrived prize was awarded to Nasrullah Qannadian and his glass engraving called Australia Day. His work represents Australia’s history with England. Princess Diana was a kind mother and beautiful person to people around the world. Nasrullah wants her to be remembered for all her goodness and because her life ended too soon. Nasrullah moved to Australia from Afghanistan two years ago.

The Youth prize was awarded to 17 year old Ayel Arot for her oil on acrylic titled The past War in Sudan.

Heartlands’ judge and Curator of Australian Art at the National Gallery of Victoria, Elena Taylor, said this year’s Heartlands Refugee Fine Art Prize collection is definitely a triumph of the human spirit.

“This show is an affirmation of how important art is in everybody’s lives – this is a way to express themselves and connect with others, to tell stories, to become part of a new country,” Ms Taylor said.

“The standard and creativity displayed in this year’s entries has been outstanding,” she said.

Jane Clark, Research Curator at the Museum of Old and New Art, Tasmania said the quality was extraordinarily high, with techniques ranging from quite traditional to digital.

“I’m very impressed with the professional skill and talent. It’s universal thought on this human experience that transcends their individual stories. Even the non prizewinning works have a lot to say,” Ms Clark said.

More than 40 shortlisted entries, including all the winning artworks, will be on display at the Heartlands Refugee Fine Art Prize Exhibition held at fortyfivedownstairs in Flinders Lane from 6-16 June 2012 in the lead up to Refugee Week, with selected works from the exhibition then on display at Walker Street Gallery in Dandenong from 6-28 July 2012.

Now in its third year, the Heartlands Refugee Fine Art Prize is presented by AMES and Multicultural Arts Victoria in partnership with VicHealth, Parks Victoria and the Sidney Myer Fund.

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Heartlands Refugee Fine Art Prize Exhibition
fortyfivedownstairs
45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
6-16 June 2012
Selected works from the exhibition on display at Walker Street Gallery
Cnr Walker & Robinson Streets, Dandenong
6-28 July 2012

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For images, interviews and more information contact:
SHANNON STACEY
0408 147 914
shannon@thelaunchbox.com.au

The German-born, New Zealand-based artist presents vibrant, colourful works inspired by her cross-cultural upbringing and the oral tradition of folklore.

Many works recall the 1970s European children’s books she grew up with, but these are interwoven with traditional and contemporary Maori, Pacific Island and Aboriginal art. Free entry.

Opens Wednesday until May 5 at fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, city. Details: visit fortyfivedownstairs.com.

City Weekly – 19 Apr, 2012 10:18 AM

Join curator Sally McKittrick and UNFOLD exhibitors to play with paper in slow motion. Drawing from techniques adopted by artists in the exhibition, paper will be torn, folded, layered and animated to create a collaborative stop-motion film celebrating 10 years of creativity in bloomat fortyfivedownstairs. This is sure to be a fun-filled afternoon.

Free event, all materials provided
(participants are invited to bring old magazines, maps and miscellaneous paper scraps)

Walk-ups are welcome (space permitting) but bookings are recommended
email info@fortyfivedownstairs.com or phone 9662 9966

Something from Nothing: the absence of paper makes music
Saturday 5 May, 2pm

Join artist and musician Adam Simmons to explore the musical potential of paper. Adam performedat fortyfivedownstairs with Collider in 2011. We’re delighted he has returned as an exhibitor in 2012.Escape your paperwork and learn about someone else’s!

‘In performance I seek to make my music unique to the time and space at that given moment.With respect to my music boxes, it is necessary to interact with them. I don’t want people to justsee art or hear it – I want them to feel it, touch it and do it for themselves!’

Free event, no bookings required

Image: Suspended Growth by Alana Sivell, sound mirror by Adam Simmons, My Soul and Photosynthesis by Claudia Gleave and Sara Nothrop

Eyes are the Window to the Soul, Simon Penrose, 2011.

Premier and Minister for the Arts Ted Baillieu said Simon’s portrait photograph of his nephew, entitled Eyes Are The Windows To The Soul, had been voted the crowd favourite among the 27 works shortlisted for the Victorian Government’s Victorian Indigenous Art Awards.

The People’s Choice win follows Simon’s win at the Awards ceremony on 9 March, where he received the $5,000 CAL Victorian Indigenous Art Award for Works on Paper.|

Mr Baillieu congratulated Simon on his stunning work and on his double win at this year’s awards.

The Victorian Indigenous Art Awards are a Victorian Government initiative designed to raise the profile of Victorian Indigenous art and build career opportunities for Indigenous artists across the State.

The 2012 Victorian Indigenous Art Awards exhibition continues until 31 March 2012 at the awards partner gallery fortyfivedownstairs.

People from outside Melbourne can view the works featured in this year’s exhibition via the Arts Victoria website www.arts.vic.gov.au/peopleschoice

The 2012 awards exhibition features 27 works by Victoria’s most exciting Indigenous artists. Check out the free exhibition in person at fortyfivedownstairs, or view the online gallery and vote for your favourite to win the Arts Victoria People’s Choice Award.

The artist responsible for the winning artwork will receive $2,500. Voting closes Tuesday 20 March 2012.

This video shows respected Aboriginal artist Turbo working on ‘Wombat Foraging For Scraps’, ‘Echidnas In The Dreamtime’, and ‘Eagle Flying High Trying To Touch The Sky’.

Turbo received the $25,000 award for his painting Owl Dreaming, a portrait of a ‘spirit owl’ he rescued while living in Mildura.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Jeanette Powell said Owl Dreaming was a striking work that stood out among the 27 shortlisted in this year’s awards program.

“Turbo’s winning work is a commanding piece with a great story and serves as a contemporary expression of his connection to animals from his country,” Mrs Powell said.

Seddon artist Brian Martin was highly commended in the Deadly Art Award category for his charcoal landscape drawing Methexical Countryscape: Wurundjeri #2.

“The Victorian Indigenous Art Awards aim to showcase and promote the talent and diversity of Victoria’s Indigenous arts sector,” Mrs Powell said.

“And this year is a shining example with stunning works that range from traditional painting and weaving to photography, drawing, sculpture, video and street art.”

Over $50,000 in prizes were awarded on the night. California Gully artist Simon Penrose, a first time entrant, received the $5,000 CAL Victorian Indigenous Art Award for Works on Paper.

Northcote artist Glenda Nicholls received two awards, the $5,000 CAL Victorian Indigenous Art Award for Three Dimensional Works and the $5,000 Koorie Heritage Trust Acquisition Award for her intricately woven Ochre Net.

The winners were selected by an expert judging panel comprising Jason Smith, Director of Heide Museum of Art and artists Dr Treahna Hamm and Clinton Nain.
Mrs Powell congratulated all the winners and invited the public to cast their vote for the $2,500 Arts Victoria People’s Choice Award.

“The experts have made their decisions and now it is the public’s turn to be the judge. I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to vote for their favourite work in the Arts Victoria People’s Choice Award. It’s a great way to see which works capture the public imagination,” Mrs Powell said.

An exhibition of all winners and shortlisted works is now open until 31 March at the Awards partner gallery, fortyfivedownstairs – 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. Entry is free.

To cast your vote for the Arts Victoria People’s Choice Award, visit: www.arts.vic.gov.au/peopleschoice – voting closes Tuesday 20 March 2012.

The Victorian Indigenous Arts Awards are a Victorian Government initiative through Arts Victoria. The 2012 awards program and exhibition have been delivered in partnership with fortyfivedownstairs.

Full details of the award winners and highly commended artists are below.

Deadly Art Award – WINNER
$25,000, Supported by Arts Victoria
Trevor Turbo Brown – BRUNSWICK
Owl Dreaming

Deadly Art Award – HIGHLY COMMENDED
$5,000, Supported by Arts Victoria
Brian Martin – SEDDON
Methexical Countryscape: Wurundjeri #2

Koorie Heritage Trust Acquisition Award – WINNER
$5,000, supported by Koorie Heritage Trust
Glenda Nicholls – NORTHCOTE
Ochre Net

CAL Victorian Indigenous Art Award for Three Dimensional Works – WINNER
$5,000, supported by Copyright Agency Limited, Cultural Fund
Glenda Nicholls – NORTHCOTE
Ochre Net

Highly Commended – HIGHLY COMMENDED
$1,500 supported by Copyright Agency Limited, Cultural Fund
Katrina Doolan – MILDURA
Babies Are Our Future

CAL Victorian Indigenous Art Award for Works on Paper – WINNER
$5,000 supported by Copyright Agency Limited, Cultural Fund
Simon Penrose – CALIFORNIA GULLY
Eyes Are The Windows To The Soul

CAL Victorian Indigenous Art Award for Works on Paper – HIGHLY COMMENDED
$1,500 supported by Copyright Agency Limited, Cultural Fund
Dallas Scott – PAKENHAM
Smoke Signal

Media contact: Greg Charter 04000 14059
Photography and artists interview requests: Ben Starick (Starling Communications – Awards publicist) 0411 029 393

The Victorian Indigenous Art Awards runs until 30 March 2012 at fortyfivedownstairs.