News & Events 12 January 2011
Unique gift kicks off 10th anniversary celebrations
The spirit of reconciliation is embodied in a unique gift to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.
The gift is in the form of caradi - a collection of exquisite necklaces that combine traditional Aboriginal and contemporary art techniques and materials.
Caradi was created by Tasmanian Aboriginal artist, Lola Greeno, and Tasmanian goldsmith, Natalie Holtsbaum, for the Alcorso Foundation's ninth annual fundraising dinner.
Guests on the evening generously contributed to purchase the work as a gift to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.
Alcorso Foundation chair, Professor Kate Warner, said the formal presentation of the artwork to TMAG is a fitting way to launch the Foundation's 10th anniversary celebrations.
"This particular work is about reconciliation," Professor Warner said.
"It came about in part as a result of the opportunity for collaboration offered by the Alcorso Foundation in the lead-up to our annual art auction and dinner.
"With the theme of collaboration, the Alcorso Foundation commissioned a number of well-known Tasmanian artists, some of whom had never worked together before, to create one-off pieces for auction.
"Bringing these two fine Tasmanian artists together has delivered something very special, both in terms of the artwork itself, and in their very personal exploration of two cultures coming together.
"I know Lola and Natalie were both very moved by this project as were all the generous supporters of the Alcorso Foundation who made this donation possible."
TMAG Director Bill Bleathman said he was delighted to accept the gift into the State Collection.
"Caradi is a significant addition to our growing collection of quality Tasmanian jewellery," Mr Bleathman said.
"Both Lola and Natalie are established artists in their own right and their collaboration to produce caradi demonstrates the strength of contemporary jewellery practice in Tasmania."
Professor Warner said the presentation of the gift was just the beginning of what promised to be an outstanding year for the Alcorso Foundation.
"The Alcorso Foundation is the only philanthropic organisation in Tasmania to support projects across the arts, environment and social justice.
"From our small but ambitious beginnings a decade ago, the Alcorso Foundation has grown into an organisation with the very real ability to make a difference in the lives of individuals."
Caradi is on display as part of near and far: tasmanian art at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery until April 2011.
Artwork details
caradi (friendship) - Lola Greeno, Natalie Holtsbaum
1. Fur, cockle shells, black crow shells, epoxy, paint, hand printed pigment on linen
2. 22ct gold, sterling silver, echidna quills, native iris flax, silk thread, cotton thread, epoxy
3. She oak nuts, ochre, sterling silver, brass, oxide
800mm H x 600 mm W x 60 mm D / 280 mm H x 160 mm W x 20 mm D / 600 mm H x 450 mm W x 100 mm D
For more information please contact:
Denise Robinson, Alcorso Foundation, 0447 125 541