The John Curtin Gallery’s latest exhibition, 50fifty (18 May – 9 July), marks our 50th milestone with a collection of important works from the Curtin University Art Collection. The chosen works in 50Fifty reflect the diversity of the Collection, one of the largest public art collections in the state, which began being developed shortly after WAIT was established. Works by giants of Australian art such as Lloyd Rees, Tracey Moffatt, Rover Thomas and Howard Taylor are featured in the exhibition, alongside local and international artists. More than one third of the artists profiled have a direct connection to WAIT or Curtin as graduates or staff.
The Vice-Chancellor used the opening of the exhibition to also launch the 50fifty initiative – an exciting plan to acquire 50 significant new artworks for the University’s art collection between 2017 and 2020. Curtin has acquired a major work by one of Australia’s leading painters, Brian Blanchflower, to kick off the initiative, with the State Government’s generous anniversary gift of the outdoor sculpture Murmur, by graduate Anne Neil, also making an important contribution. The newly acquired Brian Blanchflower work is on display as part of the 50Fifty exhibition.
See the gallery of pictures that were taken at the opening of the exhibition.