4 February 2010 is the 10th birthday of the Holmes à Court Gallery. To celebrate this milestone we are holding a special exhibition showing a selection of works from the over 160 pieces acquired by Janet for the art collection over the past ten years. This selection will demonstrate the personal and eclectic nature of the Janet Holmes à Court Collection and the connections and relationships that are evident when the works come together.
This exhibition will include artworks from established and emerging artists, both local, national, indigenous and international, as well as deceased artists Lloyd Rees, Tony Tuckson, Howard Taylor and John Campbell. Indigenous artists include Dorothy Napangardi, Gloria Petyarre, Danie Mellor, Angelina Pwerle, Janine McAullay Bott, Nora Holland, Jean Baptiste Apuatimi and Gulumbu Yunupingu. Other artists include Jon Tarry, Peter Sharp, Clyde McGill, Therese Howard, Merrick Belyea, Lesley Meaney, Rachel Coad, Clare McFarlane, Yifeng Tan, Haruyuki Uchida, Galliano Fardin and Mike Singe.
The opening of the Gallery in 2000 brought to fruition a long held dream of Janet Holmes à Court. In the context of the East Perth Redevelopment precinct it is a space purpose designed to present exhibitions that examine the diversity and strengths of the Collection. At the time Janet expressed her intention to make a difference by creating opportunities for culture and business to co-exist and thrive. The Gallery has fulfilled this mission and more by showing 69 exhibitions (TEN will make 70) over the ten years of its operation. Under the direction of Janet Holmes à Court, with Belinda Carrigan, Anne Meredith, Emily Lochowicz, Sharon Tassicker and the gallery staff, these exhibitions have shown work from the collection, as well as work from outside the collection, of Western Australian, Eastern States and International artists. Many have been accompanied by publications.
Exhibition highlights – there are too many to mention – but you might remember such gems as– Rover Thomas 2000 – Lloyd Rees Looking for Light 2002 – Whiteley 2005, artist –in-residence Clyde McGill 2007, ORLAN 2007, Danie Mellor 2008 and Kimberley Aboriginal Artists 2009.
The gallery has also hosted a multitude of events celebrating and debating Australian culture – Days of Ideas every year since 2003, summer and winter salons, artist–in-residence lunches, free public talks by artists and curators. As well, the gallery has been the venue for many private viewings and corporate events. It has put the emphasis on the essential role of the artist in our society and attempted to break down some of the barriers between gallery, artist and viewing public to increase the accessibility of both gallery and artists.
In 2006 Janet took over ownership of the Gallery from Heytesbury the family company. In December 2008 she similarly took sole ownership of the art collection. Both now reside in her care. Outside the gallery and collection she continues to support visual artists and musicians in particular in various ways, making her love of the arts in general manifest. In an evolving landscape the specifics may change but the essence of the intent remains the same.
The exhibition will be opened by Janet Holmes à Court AC, with a special performance on violin by Christina Katsimbardis.
