Masterpieces of Modern Australian Art at Bonhams & Goodman, level 1, 540 Malvern Road, Prahran. General public access: Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June 2008 from 10am to 5pm.
Melbourne art-lovers are in for a treat with Bonhams & Goodman set to host an exhibition in their Melbourne rooms featuring renowned icons of twentieth century Australian art from private collections throughout Australia. This extraordinary exhibition will reunite prized paintings with pairs or companion works which, in many instances, have not been shown together since they were first created. Several works have not been seen by the public since they were first exhibited more than fifty years ago. Offering a unique opportunity for all Melburnians to enjoy these paintings, this exhibition is being held to support Cabrini Health, which offers the community a comprehensive range of services, including acute care, rehabilitation, palliative and residential care.
Artists featured in the exhibition include Charles Blackman, Arthur Boyd, John Brack, William Dobell, Russell Drysdale, Ian Fairweather, Joy Hester, Sidney Nolan, John Perceval, Grace Cossington Smith, Albert Tucker, Brett Whiteley and Fred Williams.
The exhibition is curated by Geoffrey Smith, Director and National Head of Art at Bonhams & Goodman, and formerly Curator of Australian Art at the National Gallery of Victoria. Works have been generously loaned from some of Australia’s most significant private art collections.
“This is a rare opportunity for the general public to view very important art works that may never be seen in this context again”, says Geoffrey Smith. “I am delighted to be curating this significant exhibition in support of Cabrini Health. The response from lenders has been overwhelming and I hope the public will also support this very worthy cause,” adds Smith.
Masterpieces of Modern Australian Art is scheduled to open at Bonhams’ Melbourne premises on Thursday 29 May at 6pm at an invitation-only event, and will be open to the general public on Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June, from 10am to 5pm. Geoffrey Smith will conduct floor-talks each day of the exhibition (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) at 3pm.
Thai Airways is a major sponsor of the event and many other private entities/individuals have kindly donated their time and services including Peter Rowland; Champagne Tennis Etcetera; the generous art lenders; Charter Security; Dominique Portet Fontaine wines; Dr Paul Nash, Victorian Classical Guitar Society; I and S Insurance; Matt Foster from Transart; Finsbury Green Printing; Minuteman Press and The Fresh Flower Man
COST: General admission $15.00
ENQUIRIES: Janan Bey 03 8530 3900
Illustrated:
Sidney Nolan (1917-1992)
Ned Kelly, Outlaw 1955
oil and enamel paint on composition board
121.5 x 91.5cm
