Official launch of a unique campaign.
Towards the end of 2021, Murdoch University was delighted to officially launch its GOLD HORIZON campaign. A special initiative with a mission to expand the University’s Art Collection through exceptional artwork acquisitions by gift and purchase to commemorate Murdoch University Art Collection’s 50th anniversary in 2024.
The astute artwork acquisitions resulting from this campaign will not only commemorate the landmark birthday, but serve as enduring cornerstone artworks within the greater context of the Collection.
The WA art community gathered in the University’s Art Gallery to celebrate the official launch and view some of the initial works that have already been donated to this exciting campaign.
The event was held during the Noongar season of Kambarang, known for an abundance of bright colours and flowers blossoming across the land. A fitting backdrop for the opportunity to enjoy exceptional, inspiring artworks and contemporary visual arts practice by some of Australia’s most exciting and significant artists.
The GOLD HORIZON campaign will be deftly stewarded by its Patron, Mr Alan R. Dodge AM, a former Chair of the Murdoch Collection who will continue to be instrumental in bolstering its national reputation. He joined the current Murdoch Collection Board Chair, Mr Brandon Munro, and Murdoch University Art Curator, Mark Stewart, to say a few words and cut the ceremonial ribbon to reveal a striking photographic work titled ‘Eric’ by Melbourne-based artist Amos Gebhardt.
Gebhardt’s photographic triptych portrait is of acclaimed First Nations musician Eric Avery, depicted holding his violin and bow floating barefooted above a red, dusty Australian outback road.
The work was purchased with the generous assistance of funds provided by the Peter Mark Sarfaty Fund that was provided in perpetuity to the Art Collection in 2011. The fund also facilitated a second GOLD HORIZON acquisition, a stunning new sculpture that enthralled the 150 plus guests in attendance.
Buraq by Abdul-Rahman Abdullah tells the narrative of the fraught, mythologised and unbelievable journey that migrant populations face. The impressive carved wood, winged horse-like creature, an enigmatic figure of Islamic lore, depicts the physical and spiritual journey ascending into the heavens and beyond.
Art Curator Mark Stewart, with Board Chair Brandon Munro and 50th Anniversary Patron Alan R. Dodge in front of Eric by Amos Gebhardt, purchased to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Art Collection in 2024 with funds provided by the Peter Mark Sarfaty Fund 2021. Artwork reproduction courtesy of the artist and Tolarno Galleries, Melbourne.
Curator Mark Stewart is thrilled with the beginning of the GOLD HORIZON campaign and is confident it will be a testament to a very important landmark for Murdoch.
“One of the brilliant aspects of the 50th campaign is that it has provided opportunity to be inspirational and take a next level approach to art acquisitions via purchase and donation. For example, for over 15 years, the Collection has built a notable feature of contemporary photography and recently we acquired a quintessential image by the international renowned Bill Henson to add to this body of work. This is the Collection’s first acquisition of Henson’s work, and a perfect illustration of the campaign’s impact,” he said.
To see photos from the launch, and the work which is still on display for you to view at the Murdoch University Gallery, please click here.
