Gifted
Over Christmas and the summer, Yiribana indigenous gallery in the Art Gallery of NSW is showing a broad selection of works from The Mollie Gowing Acquisition Fund. It's a characteristically modest-sounding title for an extraordinary collection of artworks: 362 by virtually every leading artist of the past 60 years.
Mrs Gowing, now 91, is one of those rare beings: a benefactor whose motives are altruistic. Her connection with the gallery began as a volunteer, 40 years ago. She was one of those nice ladies who smile at visitors and accomplish a cartload of other unsung duties that ensure the place runs smoothly and is a pleasure to visit.
At the opening of the exhibition gallery director Edmund Capon spoke of the importance of celebrating the modest Mrs Gowing. "There are benefactors, and there are benefactors,” he said. "They do more than just give... They become part of the life and breath of the institution."
In 1992, after completing the task of making a list of all the AGNSW Australian works, she was after something else to do. Curator Deborah Edwards told her the indigenous collection was in urgent need of help.
After consulting her accountant Mrs Gowing, widow of Jim Gowing of the fabled "The Boys Go To Gowings" retailers, was able to offer a bit of help: $50,000 a year to acquire artworks. The difference this has made to the gallery is incalculable. Well, actually, it is possible to put a figure on it.
The money became available at a crucial juncture in the indigenous art market. Prices were on the rise but not yet stratospheric as Australia finally caught up with what US and European collectors had long ago sussed: Australian indigenous artists are among the top echelon of contemporary art.
Hetti Perkins, curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art at the gallery is a direct beneficiary of the Gowing Fund. As Steve Meacham reported her saying in the Sydney Morning Herald this week:
"The development of this collection has been instrumental in bringing to the world the contemporary expressions of what is Australia's oldest continuous culture," said Perkins. The quiet donor had "shown the true spirit of reconciliation … her collection gives us hope for a better future … built on understanding and friendship."
On display: a magnificent work by Emily Kam Ngwarray (untitled - Alhalker); prints, etchings, sculptures and canvases by many of the great "names" from Balgo, Utopia and other communities including Mawalan Marika, Michael Jagamara Nelson, Ginger Riley Munduwalawala and Queenie McKenzie; modern urban artists such as Judy Watson, Robert Campbell Jr, Yvonne Koolmatrie, Thanakupi, Ian Abdulla.
Gifted - contemporary Aboriginal art, Yiribana @ AGNSW, free daily to April 15, 2007.
