Latrobe Local News: RetroMOMENTS exhibition works being donated to GalleryAn exhibition of works by Gippsland artist Colin Suggett, containing four works from the Latrobe Regional Gallery’s permanent collection. By Latrobe City Council - 27th September 2001 - Back to News Tell us your opinion See what others have said An exhibition of works by Gippsland artist Colin Suggett, containing four works from the Latrobe Regional Gallery’s permanent collection, has gone on show at the Melbourne Museum; and following further exhibition at galleries in regional Victoria and interstate, the works not already owned by Latrobe City, are being donated to the Latrobe Regional Gallery’s collection.
Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Brendan Jenkins said Mr Suggett had generously offered Latrobe City the donation of all his work following the exhibition, the value of the donated works is estimated at $72,000.
"This is a donation of regional significance by one of Australia’s outstanding sculptors. Suggett’s work is held in high regard by his peers and critics alike," Cr Jenkins said.
"Many Latrobe Regional Gallery visitors will be familiar with Suggett’s ‘Hawaiian Sausages’. The Gallery collection also contains Suggett’s ‘Coastline’ sculpture, ‘Zit Wars’ and ‘Donation Box’.
"The sculptures are topical, contemporary, rigorous and enjoyable, a rare treat.
Latrobe City is extremely fortunate to be the beneficiary of this artist’s generosity," Cr Jenkins said.
Director of the Latrobe Regional Gallery, Rodney Scherer, said the gift of Colin Suggett’s work to the Gallery and the City was a testament to the positive outcome of an excellent supportive relationship between a public gallery and an artist within the region.
"Colin Suggett’s work is very unique within the Australian sculpture arena. When we have ‘Zit Wars’ or ‘Hawaiian Sausages’ on display, there is always a positive audience response. Colin has a fantastic sense of humour and wit and to be able to offer humour, meaning, and insight in a sculptural work, indicates a great mind at work," Mr Scherer said
"Born in Warrnambool in 1945, Suggett’s work is derived directly from his childhood obsession of making things that move – cartoons, films, animations, motorised devices, puppets and billy carts.
"Using the gamut of new materials and technology, the former film and media lecturer has created a theatrical and often humorous body of work based on his responses to prevailing social and political events. Audiences are treated to a range of mechanically ingenious works that comment on the ‘trial and error’ nature of socio/political change in the latter quarter of the 20th century," Mr Scherer said.
"Colin Suggett is Australia’s leading artist in creating moving sculpture. Dancing Hawaiian sausages, whitegoods that blow hot air, levitating video monitors with clap sticks, and tycoons breathing their last gasp, are fascinating works, each one making a direct comment on contemporary, social and political reality.
"RetroMOMENTS is being exhibited at the Melbourne Museum as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival. I urge Latrobe citizens to take the opportunity to visit the exhibition, and view the works being donated to the Latrobe Regional Gallery," Mr Scherer added.
Entry to RetroMOMENTS is included in the general admission price at the Melbourne Museum. RetroMOMENTS is a complete package with catalogue and Internet presence through the artist’s web site at .
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: latrobecity@gippslander.com
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