2014 marks the 25th anniversary of the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) Foundation. Since its inception in 1989, the Foundation has helped the Gallery purchase over 4,500 works for the State Art Collection. In the last five years, Foundation funds have accounted for 80% of all recent acquisitions. To celebrate this milestone, a showcase of significant works acquired through the Foundation’s vital support is on display at AGWA until 1 December, 2014.
Visitors will also be able to view the 245 works acquired through the Foundation that are currently on display throughout the permanent Your Collection galleries. The anniversary display features a diverse mix of historical, contemporary and Indigenous works of great significance such as Richard Bell’s Colour Theory (2012), Patrick Mung Mung’s Gawarre (2011), Concertina (2008) by Trevor Richards, Pilar Mata Dupont’s The Embrace (2013), Swings (1932) by Ethel Spowers, Joy Hester’s Mad girl (c. 1942) and a selection of eighteenth century porcelain items, as well as the superbly modelled and painted Vase with albatross decoration (1919).
The AGWA Foundation was formed by a passionate group of people with a shared vision for a state art collection of national and international significance.
AGWA Director, Stefano Carboni, said “philanthropic support is essential for AGWA’s continued growth and success. Without the financial support of the Foundation, critical acquisitions, which ensure that the Art Gallery of WA remains relevant and continues to fulfil its core mission, would simply not be possible,” he continued.
“Our generous Foundation supporters include some of Western Australia’s most influential business people, artists, young professionals and art lovers from all walks of life. Through their generosity and support, your State Gallery acquires carefully considered works of art for the benefit of all of us today and for future generations.”
Art Gallery of Western Australia
Until 1 December, 2014
Western Australia
Tony Albert, No place warrior, 2009, watercolour on paper, 76 x 57cm
Courtesy the artists and the State Art Collection,
Art Gallery of Western Australia
