Curtin University Art Collection
Tony Windberg, Out Near Hyden, 1987, oil on board, triptych 80 x 56 cm each, Curtin University Art Collection, purchased 1987
The Curtin University Art Collection was established in 1968 with the intention of enhancing both the appearance and educational life of what was then the Western Australian Institute of Technology. Over the past 40 years the Collection has steadily grown.
The development of the Collection has been made possible through the support of the University community and many of the works held in it have particular significance for people who have lived along-side them during their time at Curtin.
Paul Caporn, Cleanse, galvanised steel bath, neon tube, water, 2000, 30 x 86 x 55cm, Curtin University Art Collection, purchased 2000
Pippin Drysdale, Tanami Traces Series V, 2008, glazed porcelain, 35 x 20 x 20cm, Curtin University Art Collection, donated by the artist through the Cultural Gifts Program, 2008
Based on the resources available, and considering its current holdings, the John Curtin Gallery and its Advisory Board are responsible for developing the Curtin University of Technology Art Collection and for building on its current strengths. In doing so the John Curtin Gallery aims to:
- continue to build a comprehensive collection of works by artists, designers and craft practitioners whose practice provides insights into the visual cultures of Australia (with particular emphasis on Western Australia) and the Indian Ocean Region
- develop a stronger focus, reduce duplication across other public collections in Western Australia and reflect the larger activity and ambition of the artists currently included in the Collection
- continue to grow as a major public cultural resource and focal point for dialogue and reflection in the community, by building a support collection of ephemera and other specialist research material (such as catalogues and photographs), which elucidate and contextualise art works in the Collection.
- expand site specific art works through the commissioning of works by prominent artists and to maintain works previously commissioned.
Vlatko Ceric, Unclassified Objects 3, digital print on archival paper, 2007, 60 x 60cm, Curtin University Art Collection, gift of the artist 2008
Campus Display
Curtin University is unique among Western Australian universities in that we encourage access to the University Collection by involving the Curtin community in the management of the public display of artworks. This is a wonderful initiative and one that the John Curtin Gallery continues to support while also safeguarding this culturally important and valuable University asset.
For further information regarding fees and procedures please download the guidleines document or contact the JCG's Campus Display Coordinator Lia McKnight on 9266 4405 or L.McKnight@curtin.edu.au
Janis Nedela, Enigma (death by a thousand pricks), washers, blue nail tacks, pencil, enamel paint on black and white photograph, 2000, 70 x 59cm, Curtin University Art Collection, donated by David Forrest through the Cultural Gifts Program, 2005
Mary Moore, Xanthorrhoea Preissii - Fruiting Spike 1, hand coloured etching, 2007, 95x 72cm, Curtin University Art Collection, purchased 2008
Nicole Slatter, Direction, oil on linen, 2008, 80 x 105cm, Curtin University Art Collection, purchased 2008
