20 January - 10 June 2012: Heart and Soul. The Laverty Collection, Sydney

‘The most important private collection of Indigenous art in Australia’ (Nicholas Rothwell, The Australian)

‘The best of recent Aboriginal art is fantastic contemporary art – coming out of the world’s longest continuously evolving art tradition’ (Colin and Elizabeth Laverty).

With Heart and Soul, the AAMU presents the first exhibition of the Laverty Collection, Sydney, in Europe. This collection is regarded as one of the most important private Aboriginal art collections in the world. The exhibition tells the personal story of the art collector couple Colin and Elizabeth Laverty. They are not only collectors, but also ambassadors with a mission: they are committed heart and soul to presenting Aboriginal art at international contemporary art venues.

Swept away by Aboriginal art

In the 1960s and ’70s, Colin and Elizabeth Laverty mainly collected abstract expressionist art. At the 1988 World Expo in Brisbane, they were swept away by the power and diversity of Aboriginal art and became passionate collectors. They can be regarded as pioneers in the Australian art world as this was well before Aboriginal art really took off.

The art of collecting

Due to their adventurous choices, the Lavertys have built up an exciting collection; its quality is internationally acclaimed. With huge commitment and effort, they constantly draw international attention to Aboriginal art. Their collection also highlights the major, ground-breaking role collectors can play in the recognition and acknowledgment of new talent. 

We present to you

In this exhibition, Colin and Elizabeth Laverty show a personal selection of the work of five of the most highly regarded artists in the Australian art world: Sally Gabori from northern Queensland, Daniel Walbidi from Bidyadanga in Western Australia, Rammey Ramsey from the Kimberley, Naata Nungurrayi from Kintore and Ginger Riley from Arnhem Land. Their works are included in the collections of all major Australian art galleries and in international collections. The selection shows the individual touch and style of each artist and also makes it clear how widely Aboriginal art from the different areas varies. 

Catalogue

The beautiful reference book Beyond Sacred contains a detailed catalogue of the Laverty collection. This 406-page hardcover book is on sale at the museum shop and in the AAMU webshop.

This exhibition is supported by
Rabobank Utrecht
Elise Mathilde Fonds

The Australian Embassy, The Netherlands