Gallery exhibition throws light on private collections

People collect art for a range of reasons such as the monetary value of the artwork or the theme of the work but often the reasons for purchasing art come down to personal taste, says Orange City Council’s Services Policy Chair Ron Gander.

Private Treasures Public Pleasures reveals to the community the range of tastes, collections and styles of artwork proudly displayed in homes across the region.

Cr Gander said the beauty of Private Treasures Public Pleasures was its ability to get people talking about art.

“Everyone has different tastes and that is what makes art so wonderful,” Cr Gander said.

“This exhibition brings together art that people have loved so much they have bought it, and they’re so proud of it they want to show the rest of the community.

“Art is there to be enjoyed, to be talked about, to divide opinions and this exhibition achieves that like few others can.”

“We're thrilled to be able to include paintings by major Australian artists such as Donald Friend, Lloyd Rees, Brett Whiteley, John Olsen, E Phillips Fox, Elisabeth Cummings, Nora Heysen and Ray Crooke,” Ms Gray said.

“Our earliest work, dated 1759, is an engraving by the English social satirist William Hogarth, titled The

Cock Fight. We also have a work by early Australian portrait painter Joseph Backler, dated 1854 and an

1895 landscape by Sydney Long.”

Other popular contemporary artists include Mambo legend Reg Mombassa and Archibald Prize winner

Adam Cullen.

Another highlight is a selection of artifacts from different cultures such as the Khoi San Bushman of

Southern Africa.

“It is pleasing to see many art collectors supporting our regional artists. We have terrific works by Martin

Coyte, Tim Winters and Loretta Black,” she said.

“The people of Orange should feel proud to see the quality and quantity of artworks that are owned by

their fellow residents. An exhibition such as this will further establish our city as a cultural centre with a

reputation for art, in the same way Orange enjoys a reputation for fine food and wine.

“The fact opening night is the same night as the FOOD Week night market is a bonus. Come along from 6pm, see the art and take your opinions over to Robertson Park while enjoying local food and wine.”

The exhibition is on display 1 April – 25 June 2016.

For details of the exhibition go to www.org.nsw.gov.au

SET UP : Staff are busy setting up for the exhibition openign this Friday night, March 31.