Art. The Australian Experience PART 2
Good on you, Shelley.
Australian Art is a huge subject. We have the onerous task of selecting a few representative artists to introduce to our visitors. Space is limited.
As education is part of our function we want people to leave this section having a knowledge of Art sufficient to get them by at any cocktail party.
Some time ago we completed a lovely exhibit relating to the artists who illustrated for
the old bush poets.
Art, especially at the fringes, can be in the eye of the beholder. But as you suggest, with artists like Hans Heysen (or Norman Lindsay), there is no argument about their capability. We have a small but interesting Australian Bookplate collection, this being a branch of Art with its own active Society. It will likely have a very small spot somewhere.
Totally unlike government establishments, what we show is based only on
obvious artistic merit.. and not the race, gender or sexual proclivity of the artist. As purists, we are there to responsibly educate and entertain, not to push political agendas or pander to voting minorities. So-called Modern Art excludes itself as it is not particularly Australian.. and nor is it generally popular.
...................
This old postcard (see below) took our fancy... and so we bought it.
It is entitled "On The Road". ' Swallow And Ariell's ' collection. Cost $20.
With a section on bullockies, including the collection of six excellent display boards featuring bush ballads relating to bullockies, this seemed like a good fit... plus we just "liked it".
Further examination indicated that the artist was
J H (Jan Hendrik) Scheltema 1861 - 1941, a Dutch immigrant. Much info on him is available on the internet.
Looking online at some of his art, we were extremely impressed. Two of his paintings are shown below in order to give one a feel. Click on them to view.
His original paintings of Australia are expensive but not off the planet on price. He is on the "Maybe one day.." buy (investment) list... and a nice "discovery".
This is simply an example of how one thing leads to another for us.
Lots of unopened doors yet to be tackled in Australian Culture.
You start with a humble postcard and it leads you into a world of beautiful Australia-themed paintings in the style that everybody seems to love.
Gary
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